Heimsheim Engages Public Early in Forest Wind Power Decisions
Heimsheim's town council has taken steps to engage the public early in decisions about using forest land for wind power. Meanwhile, the council has hired a specialist lawyer to represent the city on all wind power matters and assess impacts from neighboring communities. Gaby Wulff (BfH) has expressed a preference for photovoltaic systems over wind turbines due to soil concerns.
The council's move comes after the citizens' initiative to let the population decide on municipal forest use for wind energy failed to secure a two-thirds majority. The hired lawyer will not only advise Heimsheim but also assess planned installations in neighboring communities that could affect the city. Notably, Heimsheim will remain in the 'expression of interest' procedure with the neighboring municipality of Weissach regarding wind power.
While the district administrator of Böblingen desires at least ten wind turbines between Perouse and Heimsheim, local opinions vary. Petra Beermann (BfH) believes the citizens of Weil der Stadt are intelligent and supports wind power if the local population supports it. However, Jürgen Gerhold (BfH) is not fundamentally against wind power but wants to maintain control over designated wind priority areas. Recently, the population of Weil der Stadt decided to build wind turbines on municipal land bordering Heimsheim.
Heimsheim's town council is committed to involving the public early in wind power decisions. The hired lawyer will provide expert advice and assess impacts from neighboring communities. Meanwhile, local opinions on wind power vary, with some supporting it if the local population agrees, while others want to maintain control over designated areas.
