December 3, 2010
England

Wind farm protest moves up a notch

Haverhill Echo, www.haverhillecho.co.uk 3 December 2010

A group, formed in protest at BT plans to build six, 100-metre-high wind turbines on farmland near Clare, has furthered its cause by meeting West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock at the proposed site.

Members of Clare Against the Turbines (CAT) took Mr Hancock to the proposed wind farm site – where a 60m-high mast is already up to measure wind direction and speed – on land overlooking some properties in Chilton Street, just outside Clare.

Iona Parker, from CAT, said: “It’s very close to Chilton Street and it’s less than a mile from the centre of Clare. I don’t think people realise quite how close, so we are concerned those residents are going to be experiencing noise, vibrations and shadow flicker (where a turbine’s blades cast a moving shadow).

“It’s going to just dominate the landscape and the view across the Stour Valley. ”

CAT is also building a website, plans to hold public meetings and complete a leaflet drop to further its cause.

Mr Hancock said: “It was great to meet the newly formed action group trying to stick up for the community and stop the proposed wind farm.

“There is strong local opposition to the proposed BT wind turbines which would destroy the beautiful countryside in the Haverhill area.

“As I saw on my visit, even the narrow weather mast, which has already been put up and is only half the height of the proposed turbines, can be seen for miles around.

“The turbines will be higher than any building in Haverhill.

“I am in favour of renewable energy but not when it destroys the very environment we are trying to save.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/03/wind-farm-protest-moves-up-a-notch/