Tory backs protestors against giant turbines
A prospective MP has thrown her weight behind protestors, fighting against plans to double the size of wind turbines at Carland Cross.
Sarah Newton, prospective Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, spoke of local concerns about the proposals for turbines after attending a meeting of pressure group, Residents Against Turbines, in St Newlyn East.
The concerns centre around the controversial planning application, submitted by Scottish Power, to remove 15 existing 49-metre high turbines, extend the site and then replace them with 10, 100-metre high turbines.
“Like most people I want to diminish our dependence on oil, coal and gas to produce energy as soon as possible,” said Sarah Newton.
“For our national security of energy supply and for the sake of the environment, I want to see the expansion of clean and renewable energy. But while power from wind does have an important part to play, it is not the whole solution.
“The pressure to meet government targets, imposed on Cornwall by the South West Regional Authority, for energy from wind is placing an unfair burden on local people.
“The proposed turbines will be much bigger than the ones they are replacing and will be closer to people’s homes.
“The visual and noise impact will be much greater on local villagers.”
While recognising the need for more renewable energy, the group insists wind power is not the only solution. They also spoke about the detrimental impact the massive turbines would have on the local community.
Speaking after the meeting, Sarah Newton said: “I am very pleased that Carrick planners have recommended that councillors who will be determining the application will be taken to the existing wind farm and to the areas most affected by the proposals and see for themselves.
“I also think it is a good idea, to raise a large, red balloon at the site of the proposed new turbines so that people can see what visual impact the height of the new turbines will have on central Cornwall.
“Cornwall’s natural landscape is valued by all of us who are lucky enough to call Cornwall home.”
18 February 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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