New Marske residents oppose plans for wind turbines  

Credit:  by Mike Morgan, Evening Gazette, www.gazettelive.co.uk 28 July 2011 ~~

New Marske residents fear being surrounded by huge wind turbines “almost as tall as Blackpool Tower”.

Energy company Infinis has submitted a planning application for a 60m high Met mast to monitor wind conditions at Errington Woods ridge.

This is due to be decided by Redcar and Cleveland Council’s planning committee on August 4.

The firm wants to erect four wind turbines, each 115m high, on the ridge line known as Beacon Moor. This scheme is due to go before the council next year.

But residents told the Gazette they fear being hemmed in by wind turbines at sea and on land.

A large wind farm has already been agreed off the sea at nearby Redcar, well within their sight.

Residents have a number of concerns including the impact on the skyline, the effect on house prices, noise, vibrations and disruption to wildlife and footpaths.

Norman Brown, 56, secretary of New Marske Residents Association, said: “I’ve lived in New Marske for 28 years and this is the most potentially damaging plan ever. To the tip of one of the 115m turbines is equivalent to the height of Blackpool Tower.”

New Marske resident John Yates, 80, said: “There are a lot of wild birds and bats in the woods. They could be killed by flying into this.”

Bob Moodie, 70, chair of the residents’ association, said: “We’ll have wind turbines in the sea to the north at Redcar and on this beautiful ridge to the south. New Marske will be surrounded by them.”

Resident Malcolm Covell said: “I’m greatly concerned about how these monstrosities will ruin the setting of New Marske. I am very worried about the inaudible low frequency infrasound they produce and its potential health problems.”

A spokesman for Northampton- based Infinis said: “We are happy to consult with residents. This is step one in a long process.”