October 3, 2011
England

Wind farm could be bigger than Big Ben

Banbury Guardian, www.banburyguardian.co.uk 3 October 2011

Villagers in Shotteswell, Hanwell and Mollington say a wind farm which is being proposed for a site next to the M40 north of Banbury will be like living next to the London Eye.

Shotteswell parish councillor Val Ingram and Hanwell resident Nigel Hall are among those who are starting a campaign group to challenge the proposals for a farm of between five and eight turbines which have been mooted by renewable energy developer Regeneco.

Mrs Ingram said: “Our aim is to raise awareness because people often see wind farms when they visit places like Cornwall and think they look okay, but it is very different if you have to live right next to one.

“One of our concerns is that the wind farms can affect television signals for 10km around.

“The top of the blades for each turbine will be up to 130 metres high – as tall as the London Eye and taller than Big Ben.

“The turbines will also be noisy and we already have the noise from the M40 to contend with, so we feel as if we’ve had our fill of that.”

Tom Porter, project developer for Regeneco said: “The project is at a very early stage.

“We are currently assessing the site’s suitability and, if this is established, an initial scheme will be proposed. This is not likely to happen until 2013, once a number of feasibility studies and on-site wind monitoring has been completed.

“Should the site prove to be viable then we would look to undertake a full public consultation programme with the local community.

“We have consulted early by sending an initial newsletter to more than 1,500 residents and stakeholders and have already held preliminary discussions with Shotteswell Parish Council and would welcome the opportunity to speak to the other parish councils. We have also been responding to queries through the project website. For more information on the project or to express your views visit www.ironstonewindfarm.co.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/03/wind-farm-could-be-bigger-than-big-ben/