July 29, 2011
England

Campaigners use helicopter to show height of wind farm turbines

By Emma Clark, Northampton Chronicle & Echo, www.northamptonchron.co.uk 29 July 2011

A campaign group fighting the development of a wind farm near Salcey Forest used a helicopter to demonstrate the height of the proposed turbines.

The stunt at The Lawn, next to Salcey Forest, was organised by Save Our Salcey after electricity firm, Ecotricity, formally applied for permission to build the wind farm last month.

Local residents affected by the location of the 15 turbines and visitors of Salcey Forest turned up to the campaign event yesterday afternoon, which also marked the launch of a petition against the plans submitted to Milton Keynes Council.

The developers hope to build the wind farm on land at Stoke Lodge Farm, in Purse Lane, Stoke Goldington, near to beauty spot Salcey Forest.

Ian Allen, chairman of Save our Salcey, said: “We really wanted to show people exactly how high these wind turbines will be and using a helicopter demonstrated their sheer size.

“These turbines will be just a touch smaller than the Northampton Lift Tower, it’s hard to grasp.

“It will have great impact on people’s enjoyment of the area, especially for horse riders as bridal paths will be lost.

“We don’t believe the environment benefits are worth the environmental costs.”

Katherine Staniforth, owner of the Forest Cafe in Salcey Forest, said she fears for her business if the plans are approved.

She added: “The height is worrying, I couldn’t appreciate until seeing the helicopter just how tall they will be – it’s scary. People come to a forest for peace and relaxation. I think it will kill my week-day trade.

“Who wants to visit when they are overshadowed by wind turbines with a buzz in the air?

“I bought the cafe because I love the forest, I don’t want to see it ruined by huge industrialisation like this. It can have an irreversible effect on the wildlife.”

The stunt coincided with the annual Vintage Car Rally.

Residents and campaigners voiced their concerns about the impact of the turbines at a public meeting hosted by Save Our Salcey in Stoke Goddington last night.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/29/campaigners-use-helicopter-to-show-height-of-wind-farm-turbines/