Weingarten rejects search space for wind turbines

The municipality only wants to allow wind turbines according to the “wind energy” land use plan. The topic was discussed again in the local council.

The Mauertal is also part of the expanded search area. The majority in the local council only wants the previously defined area. Photo: Marianne Lother (archive)

by Marianne Lother , Marianne Lother

Oct 24, 2023 | 4:28 p.m 2 minutes Oct 26, 2023

The municipality of Weingarten rejects the designation of the Middle Upper Rhine regional association's extended search area for possible locations of wind turbines. In the search area map (as of July 2023), a total of four search area areas are shown in the Weingarten district, which from the local council's point of view means encircling the community.

In principle, the municipality is sticking to its previous decision on the possible designation of wind turbines in the Weingarten district, but only to the extent that is shown in the previous area background as part of the “Wind Energy” land use plan of the Karlsruhe neighborhood association.

So far only the Hintere Heuberg has been discussed

It was emphasized that the search area map now drawn up by the regional association does not yet represent final priority areas for wind energy use. The search areas presented are examined in more detail in an ongoing planning process. Priority areas from the regional plan prevailed over exclusion areas from a valid land use plan, explained Mayor Eric Bänziger (independent). Wind turbines would therefore also be possible where they were previously excluded. So far only the Hintere Heuberg has been discussed. Weingarten has the largest area compared to other communities in the neighborhood association, said Bänziger.

Matthias Görner (FDP) stated that he would no longer agree to his earlier fundamental decision because wind power was losing acceptance. The desired height of the wind turbines of 265 meters and more is no longer acceptable. Instead, geothermal energy should receive more attention.