July 17, 2011
England

Storm brews over wind farm plans

Daventry Express, www.daventryexpress.co.uk 16 July 2011

People could ‘face years of misery’ is the claim from residents following news that two wind farms could be built in the centre of their village.

Spanish energy firm Gamesa is to submit an application for seven 125-metre turbines at Watford Gap while two smaller turbines of 25 metres are planned for Two Hides Farm in the centre of the village.

The German energy company Volkswind has also launched an appeal against Daventry District Council’s decision to throw out plans for five 125-metre turbines in April.

A public meeting has now been called for Monday at Watford Village Hall at 7pm.

Founder member of action group Stopgap Yolanda Wilcox said: “I live 500 metres away from the plan at Two Hides Farm and I have been told I won’t be able to see them from where I live which I am sure I will.

“I am 700 metres away from the ones at Watford Gap so I will be hemmed in from all sides if they were all built.

“If this were to go ahead, I imagine there would be years of misery and inconvenience as there are concerns over shadow flicker and visual intrusion on the landscape.

“Watford is also being proposed as a route to transport wind turbine parts through for other wind farms north of the village.”

Mrs Wilcox said: “We are a tiny village of 200 people, we cannot afford the cost the energy companies can spend on hiring experts. This is a David vs Goliath situation.”

Villager Adrian Snook added: “I think there is a great deal of concern about the wind farm proposals in Watford. It has been an ongoing worry for a long time now.”

The meeting will give residents the chance to discuss the applications.

And Mrs Wilcox has called for help from experts to support their argument against the turbines.

Anyone who can help can either attend the meeting or email stopgap@hotmail.co.uk.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/17/storm-brews-over-wind-farm-plans-2/