February 29, 2008
England

Security threat

Defence chiefs are objecting to controversial proposals for a west Cumbrian windfarm.

The Ministry of Defence fears that the five 105-metre turbines planned for Fleeter Wood, between Dearham and Tallentire, could interfere with radar equipment.

Officials have written to Allerdale planning chief Ric Outhwaite, claiming the structures would stop the Royal Air Force from providing a full air traffic control service in the area.

And although developers Novera Energy claim to have technical details that would quash their concerns, the MoD said that until it was analysed, the scheme should not go ahead.

Those objecting to the development have welcomed the military’s intervention.

Margaret O’Hare, of the Tallentire Action Group, said this objection was a matter of national consideration and it was inconceivable that any more building could be carried out before there was a full public inquiry into security and the safety of Sellafield.

The Fleeter Wood proposals have been on display this week to give people a chance to view them and make their opinions known.

Meanwhile, a pensioner has claimed his life has been made a misery because of turbines on a separate development half a mile from his home. Ron Williams, of The Swallows, Bothel, is taking sleeping pills and claims he is suffering mental anguish because of the Wharrels Hill turbines.

The 73-year-old is now urging people living near two proposed windfarm sites to do all they can to oppose applications for new schemes

He argues that the noise of the rotating blades has had an “extremely debilitating” effect – made worse at night when there is less traffic on the busy A595.

News & Star

29 February 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/29/security-threat/