April 19, 2012
England

Turbine plan ‘has sent house values tumbling’ in Sellindge

Folkestone Herald, www.thisiskent.co.uk 19 April 2012

The six wind turbines that could be built in Sellindge would be more than 16ft taller than originally planned – and have already dented property values, one furious resident has warned.

Energy firm Ecotricity, which hopes to submit its application for a multimillion-pound wind farm at Harringe Brooks to Shepway District Council, held an open day in the village hall on Monday.

The company has spent the past 12 months studying the site and has concluded that it is suitable for development, a decision the Sellindge Residents’ Association has said will spark demonstrations and a “major” petition.

Each turbine will be 410ft (125m) tall from ground to blade tip, an increase on the initial plans of 393.7ft (120m). It is hoped they would generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 11,800 typical homes a year.

But the plans have been heavily criticised by residents already facing a “sludge plant” and 400 new homes in the village, as well as the possibility of a lorry park.

One, Margaret Ludlow, said: “I think wind farms are a waste of money and these turbines will be so close and in your face.

“We’re trying to sell our house because it’s too big for us and its value has decreased due to these plans – it will only get worse if it goes ahead.

“It will be a blot on our lovely landscape, but nobody seems to listen to anybody.”

Ronald Lello, chairman of Sellindge Residents’ Association, added: “It was a rather tired exhibition and the photos of the turbines were very deceptive.

“Some homes would be just 600 metres away from the turbines. We’re having a meeting this week and are planning demonstrations and a major petition.”

A spokesman for Ecotricity said the turbines would be taller than originally planned due to technological advances and said they would be “more efficient”.

If the turbines are built, they would not be the first in Shepway. There are 26, 377ft-tall machines on the Marsh at the £60 million Little Cheyne Court farm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/19/turbine-plan-has-sent-house-values-tumbling-in-sellindge/