May 12, 2012
England

Villagers resist bid to create ‘Turbine Heath’

Clacton and Frinton Gazette, www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk 12 May 2012

Angry villagers claim their homes are in danger of being surrounded by a spiralling number of wind turbines.

Work has already started on five giant windmills on the outskirts of Clacton.

German company Renerco is building the county’s first onshore windfarm at Earls Hall.

The controversial project sparked outrage when it was proposed six years ago and was turned down by Tendring Council.

Anti-turbine protestors set up STAPLE – South Tendring Action to Protect the Local Environment – to fight proposals for the 400ft-high structures.

But the wind farm was given the go-ahead by a planning inspector in 2009 after an appeal.

Work started in February.

Five more smaller turbines could also be build nearby in separate schemes.

Residents in the hamlet of Chisborn Heath say they are being surrounded.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “You might as well call the area Turbine Heath.

“This will make ten turbines within a one-mile radius.

“I moved here two and a half years ago for a bit of peace and quiet in the countryside.

“Now it’s being ruined by all these turbines and I’m going to be surrounded by them.”

He added: “I’ve got nothing against green energy. I put solar panels up but they don’t make a noise and they don’t offend anyone.”