December 16, 2010
England

Wind turbine noise will make my life hell, says concerned resident

Retford Times, www.thisisretford.co.uk 16 December 2010

A wind turbine taller than Big Ben planned for Tuxford has left one resident fearing her life will become unbearable as she suffers from an extremely rare sensory disability.

Lucinda Southern, 23, of Markham Road suffers from a condition called Hyperacusis which means she has exceptionally sensitive hearing and can hear things that others cannot.

She has major concerns for plans to build a 99.7m turbine at applicant Walker and Sons Hauliers on Ollerton Road.

“Certain noises like the noise from a wind turbine which is unique cause me extreme pain and disorientation,” she explained.

“Everyday tasks like opening curtains, making beds and ironing are impossible as even the noise of materials rubbing together cause me pain.”

Lucinda says on a recent trip north she discovered just how adverse an effect wind turbines have on her hearing and they were unable to continue the journey, turning back.

“It was excruciatingly painful and very frightening, we didn’t know where the sound was coming from until we saw the turbines,” said Lucinda. “Trips to Worksop are out of the question with the turbine at B & Q.”

Agents for the applicant, Segen Ltd., say the turbine will help reduce the carbon emissions and energy bills of Walker and Sons and will increase self sufficiency in terms of electricity production. The turbine, it said, will also provide an additional source of income for the rural business.

In its design and access statement, Segen estimates the turbine would generate on average as much electricity as is consumed by around 447 homes each year.

Any impact on the character and visual appearance of the landscape is outweighed by the benefits of this proposal, the statement continues, including the annual carbon saving, which adds up to 28,014 tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of the wind turbine.

The plans are at the consultation stage with the decision expected to be delegated to planning officials.

Tuxford Town Council will discuss the proposals at a meeting open to the public on December 21 at 7.30pm in Tuxford Methodist Church Hall.

To comment on the application email planning@bassetlaw.gov.uk and include the application number, your name, address, comment and reason for interest. If you do not receive a letter acknowledging the comments you have made, within 2/3 working days, contact planning services on (01909) 533188.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/16/wind-turbine-noise-will-make-my-life-hell-says-concerned-resident/