January 25, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
A new windfarm war has been waged in the Stewartry.
Villagers in Lochfoot and Kirkgunzeon have launched the fight against two small-scale turbine developments being built in their area.
Natural Power Consultants Ltd (NPC) have applied to put up two turbines at both Barnbackle Hill, Lochfoot and Doon Hill, Kirkgunzeon.
Protestors say the windfarms would be visible from many villages and passing roads.
And one member of a group set up to fight the projects says Dumfries and Galloway Council approving the schemes could see the floodgates opened for more developments.
Kevin Hornby, of the Kirkgunzeon Environmental Protection Group, said: “We have had two meetings so far and have arranged another for this Sunday.
“A committee has been formed and we have sent objection letters to the council regarding these windfarms.
“These turbines if they are given the go-ahead will be about 100 metres high.
“They are also inefficient and some experts believe they are just huge garden ornaments.
“We are concerned about these windfarms if the council give them the go-ahead.
“There are other farmers sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what happens in this case.
“If they approve these two schemes it leaves the door open for other farmers to put in applications. There is a lot of money for them to make from these developments.”
Mr Hornby added: “NPC have been in the business for a long time and know the ropes.
“At two meetings they have produced survey results saying about 70 per cent of the people in Lochfoot and Kirkgunzeon want these turbines.
“We don’t think that is the case and everybody I have spoken to in the Gateside part of the village is completely against them.
“Windfarms have an impact on the landscape, the environment and wildlife.”
Mr Hornby, originally from the Cockermouth area, believes our region runs the risk of being covered in turbine developments.
“Around ten to 12 years ago in Cumbria where I used to live, there wasn’t a single turbine,” he added.
“But now they are everywhere. If you look across the Solway Firth you can see them running along the coastline.
“That is a distance of 25 miles. They are huge structures and people don’t believe the impact they can have until they are built.”
A date for a decision on the windfarms at Lochfoot and Kirkgunzeon has yet to be set with a council planning officer telling the “˜News’ they have already received a number of objections.
By Colin Paterson
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/25/villages-to-fight-turbines/