As an owner of a property at Chetwynd Park, Cannock, which overlooks the land owned by Haworth Power, I received the notice of the wind farm planning application, but was unable to respond by February 11 as I was unable to view the proposed plans before this week.
I have now read through the documents supporting the application and I hope that my views can still be registered.I have no working knowledge of wind farms and reading through the documents raised the following concerns, which I wish to put forward.
Regarding visual impact, I was concerned to see the photographs showing the potential impact on the landscape, not necessarily from Rawnsley, where I live, as the impact is reduced from this side because of the gradient of the land and the distance, but from the Chasewater and Chase Terrace side of the proposed development.
These turbines will be seen for miles when approaching the area from that side. My understanding is that Bleak House is green belt land and it is bordered by land which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I would like to know whether this is just discounted when making a planning decision.
There will be an impact on wildlife. I have enjoyed using the paths across the proposed site many times and have often seen deer there.
Any resident wildlife will no doubt be disturbed by the noise created by the turbines which I have read will be heard as far as the town centre.
Thousands of residents in the area could potentially be affected by the noise, whilst the scheme will generate power for only 3,400 homes and that is only on those days where the wind is sufficient to power the turbines.
Is granting of planning permission so close to a built up area worth the damaging effect on the environment and residents of Cannock Chase?
I was surprised to read today that Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council have voted seven to one in favour, which I feel in no way accurately reflects the residents views.
The Mercury reports that only 20 residents turned up to the meeting; how well was the meeting actually publicised? Please could you advise if there are any further meetings where residents can attend.
County Councillor Sue Woodward is quoted elsewhere as saying she wants to make sure that those communities directly affected ‘will be compensated adequately’.
How do you compensate people? What compensation value can you put on noise and visual pollution in an area as beautiful as Cannock Chase?
My house sale has fallen through because of this proposed wind farm and the uncertainty surrounding it.
Alex Reaney, Chetwynd Park, Cannock.
21 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/21/wind-turbines-will-be-seen-and-heard-for-miles-around/