February 24, 2012
England

Shifnal residents air wind turbine health fears

Shropshire Star, www.shropshirestar.com 23 February 2012

Six giant wind turbines earmarked for an estate near Shifnal would pose ‘serious consequences to the health, safety and wellbeing of residents’, an inquiry has been told.

Concerned residents living near the proposed site, which is in the Weston-under-Lizard area, also claim noise generated by the turbines would shatter their peace and tranquility.

Bristol-based Wind Prospect Developments Ltd is appealing against a decision by South Staffordshire Council to refuse permission for six 413ft turbines at New House Farm, Brineton.

A public inquiry is being held at Blymhill Village Hall in front of Inspector Elizabeth Fieldhouse. It is expected to last eight days.

Church Eaton Parish Councillor Peter Harriman told the hearing yesterday the proposed windfarm would be a danger to lives due to an increase in traffic.

Councillor Harriman said: “A major concern for me is the road infrastructure, traffic issues and safety.

“The lanes within this area are almost all single track and many have blind bends. Where the lanes are wider most do not allow vehicles to pass without reducing speed.

“The windfarm will present an additional hazard. To site it here is inappropriate with potentially serious consequences to the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.”

Objector Simon Moore said the turbines would lower the quality of life for locals.

He said: “My biggest fear is of the mechanical and wind noise from the turbines. This will be highlighted at night when the area is near-silent.

“I recognise that this area isn’t preserved or frozen in time but it has evolved at a rate which has been very slow.”

The hearing continues.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/24/shifnal-residents-air-wind-turbine-health-fears/