September 15, 2006
U.K.
U.K.
Villagers mount crusade against monstrosities
Controversial plans for a wind farm near Harrold have stirred up a storm of protest.
BLOT, the Bozeat, Lavendon and Harrold Oppose the Turbines protest group, was formed in January with 100 members and the aim to oppose the controversial proposals.
And last month energy giant npower, part of the German-owned RW Energy Group, submitted an official planning application to Bedford Borough Council for 16 wind turbines, measuring 125m in height and with blades 90m long, at a site bordered by the three villages.
BLOT chairman Brian Skittrall said: “These turbines will decimate the peace and beauty of the landscape which is enjoyed by many local people who use the area and the footpaths between Harrold, Bozeat and Lavendon.
“BLOT are not anti-wind power, but we believe that this site is totally unsuitable because of the low wind speeds in the area.
“It requires unprecedented large turbines for an onshore wind farm.
“I will be pleased to hear from any residents who would like to join BLOT’s crusade against these monstrosities that will destroy our landscape and threaten the quality of life of local residents.”
Mr Skittrall, of Bozeat, added: “BLOT has been formed to oppose these turbines and we are working closely with other groups who have successfully opposed wind turbine sites.”
The Nun Wood Wind Farm plan, named after one of the woods in the area, follows an application in June 2005 for a nine-turbine project at Airfield Farm, near Podington, by Dutch firm Nuon Renewables.
BLOT are working with The Campaign to Limit Onshore Windfarm Development (CLOWD), which opposed the Podington plans by launching a website and distributing 7,000 leaflets in homes in North Beds.
A spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council said: “We have received a planning application from npower relating to a multi terminal windfarm near Harrold.
“A decision on the application will be made by the planning committee at a future meeting.”
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/09/15/we-dont-want-wind-farm-blotting-our-landscape/