Višňová residents halt ČEZ plan for two wind turbines

Residents of Višňová in the Příbram area rejected the potential construction of one or more wind turbines in the municipality in a referendum held on Friday. A total of 172 of the 272 voters who were issued ballot papers voted against the proposal. By contrast, 90 people supported it, while some votes were invalid. The referendum is valid and binding, according to information published on the municipality’s website.

ČEZ Obnovitelné zdroje had planned to build two wind turbines in the municipality. Residents were asked whether they agreed with the construction of a maximum of two turbines in the municipality, provided they were built on the border with the Stěžov cadastral area, at least 4.5 kilometres from the Višňová municipal office building, and generated a regular annual payment to the municipality for each turbine.

According to the rationale presented at a council meeting, the construction of wind turbines would have long-term impacts on Višňová’s potential development, the environment and the character of the landscape, while also potentially providing a financial benefit to the municipality. For this reason, it was important for the council to know the views of the majority of residents.