October 13, 2011
England

Coleford wind turbine would “make town poorer”

The Citizen, www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk 12 October 2011

A group set up to oppose plans for a wind turbine in Coleford has published its full aims.

Dean Forest Crosswinds has formed to fight entrepreneur Ronald Kear’s proposals for an 86-metre turbine on land at Poolway Farm, a few hundred metres from homes.

Chairman Mike Thomas said: “We want to make our purpose crystal clear.

“We hope this will help Mr Kear to understand that we are not at war with him.

“The truth is we are firmly focussed on just two issues.

“First, the very real anxiety of people who would be forced to live under one of these things.

“They have genuine concerns about noise, their health and the ugliness of giant generators on their doorstep.

“Second, we have to ask our local authorities what Coleford’s future is going to be.

“Is it going to be another poor, ex-mining town, vulnerable to having its landscapes degraded and exploited? Or will it be an attractive and desirable location for families and businesses – attracting wealth and prosperity into our community?

“These are the vital issues that have to be addressed. A giant generator would make lots of money – but not for Coleford. It would make our town poorer.”

Mr Kear has said he is being “completely open” about his plans and has held various meetings in Coleford to go through them with residents.

He plans to pour some of the profits from the turbine, which could power 670 homes in the area, back into the town.

He is expected to submit a planning application shortly.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/13/coleford-wind-turbine-would-make-town-poorer/