October 20, 2011
England

Turbines ‘as big as London Eye’ in the latest wind project

www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk 19 October 2011

Another wind farm-related proposal near Southam has angered campaigners who say the turbines will be as big as the London Eye.

If granted permission to build a wind measuring mast on land near Shotteswell, just south of Avon Dassett, renewable energy developer Regeneco may press ahead with plans to build a farm of up to eight turbines, which could be 130m tall.

Put together with the intentions of three other energy firms wanting to set up turbines in south Warwickshire, the area could have more than 30 of the structures, all within a short drive of one another.

Speaking about the latest proposal, Shotteswell parish councillor Val Ingram said: “People often see wind farms when they visit places like Cornwall and think they look OK, but it is very different if you have to live right next to one.

“One of our concerns is that wind farms can affect television signals for 10km around. The top of the blades for each turbines will be up to 130m high – as tall as the London Eye and taller than Big Ben.”

After visiting the proposed site last week, Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright, whose constituency includes the village, said: “These people have spotted an opportunity to put up wind turbines in this area, hoping that if one application is granted then it will be easier for others to be granted.

“This is stunning countryside and the visual impact of these turbines is huge.

“The system of incentives to encourage people to invest in renewable technologies should be spread across a range of things. That means, yes wind, but also solar, geothermal and biomass.”

Stratford district councillor Richard Hamburger (Con, Harbury) has been asked by Harbury people to look into what the district council can do about the rising number of applications for wind measuring masts in the area.

He said: “The district council is very worried about the number of applications in Shakespeare’s country.

“If you total it up, there will be an enormous number of wind turbines for a small area. There is a balance we have to keep.”

During the past year, Broadview Energy won its appeal against the district council’s rejection of its application for a mast, whereas two other rejections are expected to be appealed against by TCI Renewables and EDF Energy Renewables.

To find out more about the Shotteswell site, go online.

www.ironstonewindfarm.co.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/20/turbines-as-big-as-london-eye-in-the-latest-wind-project/