December 15, 2010
England

Wind farm campaign steps up a gear

By David Hemming, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, www.burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk 15 December 2010

Campaigners are this week stepping up their fight against a “monstrous” proposed wind farm they claim would ruin many lives.

Green electricity firm Ecotricity has applied to Sedgemoor District Council for permission to build four wind turbines at Black Ditch, off the M5 near West Huntspill.

The company is calling on the ‘silent majority’ of supporters to write to council planners backing the plans.

But opponents from East and West Huntspill and surrounding villages say now is the time to speak out louder than ever.

Julie Trott, who has lived in the area for over 25 years, fears she and her family will suffer the effects of the noise; including sleep deprivation, as well as shadow flicker and loss of residential amenity.

She said: “The turbines will completely dominate not only the local area but the region as whole to the detriment of those who live in the locality and visitors to the area.”

She also claims the turbines would harm nearby wildlife and waterfowl and says the shadows they would cast across the M5 and A38 could distract drivers causing accidents.

“I would like to appeal to the people of Somerset to please write to the council and object to these huge industrial machines which will impact on the lives of so many who live in close proximity to them”, she added.

Ecotricity says it has carried out a comprehensive environmental assessment, which includes background noise monitoring in the local area and wildlife research.

Company boss Dale Vince said the views of local people had been considered and insisted the windmills would be ‘good neighbours’.

* THE planning application is currently available to view at Sedgemoor District Council’s offices in King Square, Bridgwater.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/15/wind-farm-campaign-steps-up-a-gear/