June 11, 2011
England

Turbine would put horse riders at risk – business owners

West Briton, www.thisiscornwall.co.uk 9 June 2011

The owners of a holiday business and stables near the site of a proposed wind turbine in Porthtowan have claimed they will put horse riders at risk and ruin the peaceful setting.

Tim Stirrup, who runs the Mount Pleasant Eco Park, has reduced the number of proposed turbines from three to one following concerns from local people.

But the plan for the 14m 11kW equipment, to be installed 100m east of its main buildings, has failed to appease his neighbours, one of which described it as “sticking out like a sore thumb”.

At its meeting this week St Agnes Parish Council opposed the proposal, calling for Mr Stirrup to investigate alternative forms of energy generation.

Councillor Di Rodda said: “The eco-park has solar panels on the roof of its barn. Why is it turning its back on this form of energy choosing wind turbines that have more impact on the environment and are disliked by people living near the site?”

Mr Stirrup told members the site benefited from high winds and the turbine would generate 30,000kW per year, giving a carbon saving of 20 tonnes.

He also said the turbine would be inaudible 300m away.

However, Carolyn Jonas, who runs the Porthtowan Tourist Park on Mile Hill, said the turbine would have a detrimental effect on her business, and destroy her views.

“We have built up our business which relies on being in a quiet rural setting. This will affect my custom,” she said.

The owners of the Mount Pleasant Farm, which schools horses and runs riding lessons, also claimed the noise from the turbine could spook its animals and lead to an accident which may injure them or riders. Other concerns raised included the potential damage to a colony of nearby bats.

However, Natural England said the proposal would have no adverse impact.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/11/turbine-would-put-horse-riders-at-risk-business-owners/