November 27, 2010
England

70 in protest against wind park project

Evening Post, www.thisisbristol.co.uk 27 November 2010

Protesters spoke out against a proposed wind farm near Thornbury when planners visited the site to see where four giant turbines could be erected.

Householders joined the leaders of three parish councils to plead for the scheme to be rejected, with a helicopter even being called in to hover at the height of the tip of the blades.

Sophie Nioche, development manager with the Bristol company behind the project at Stoneyard Lane, east of Oldbury nuclear power station, was also there to put its case.

Wind Prospect Developments wants to put the four 417ft (127 metres) turbines on farmland to generate enough “green” power for about 5,500 homes. But opponents said the countryside would be visually damaged, with noise also an issue.

Peter Tyzack, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council’s sites inspection panel, told the group of about 70 protesters: “We understand residents’ concerns, which is why we are here. The purpose of the visit is to see the site.”

It is likely the application will be considered by the development control committee in the new year.

Matthew Riddle, the South Gloucestershire councillor for the area, said: “There is widespread objection to these turbines. They are giants and with the area being flat, they would be damaging to the landscape.

“This is one of the most rural parts of South Gloucestershire and I believe they are the wrong structures in the wrong place.”

Mr Riddle said there was also concern about construction traffic using narrow lanes to reach the site and although there had been some letters of support, they did not come from local people.

Barry Turner, chairman of Oldbury-on-Severn Parish Council, said: “The height of these things cannot be overstated. They will be overbearing and the development is inappropriate for the site.”

Tony England, chairman of Rockhampton Parish Council, said there was widespread opposition from local residents.

Residents’ spokeswoman Alex Soffe said: “We feel very angry the way this has been thrust upon us.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/27/70-in-protest-against-wind-park-project/