June 28, 2012
England

Gold rush for wind

Wells Journal | www.thisissomerset.co.uk 28 June 2012

A new group has been set up to oppose plans for wind turbines on the Mendip Hills.

Called Action Against Turbines on the Mendip Hills (AATOM) the group believes that wind turbines are a blot on the landscape and companies are only building them because of government grants. Negotiators for the two companies, ClearWinds and TUK, have held local consultations for two 300 foot turbines.

The Clearwinds turbine is planned for Victoria Farm, near the Slab House Inn, and TUK are proposing one at the Little Maesbury Quarry, on the Old Frome Road.

Planning permission for both is expected to be requested later this summer.

A spokesman for AATOM said: “We are not against renewable energy, but, in this case, the visual impact of vast turbines on part of a beautiful and famous range of hills around a mile from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty far outweighs any so-called benefits.

“Everyone knows by now that wind turbines cannot generate enough energy to reduce global CO2 levels to any meaningful degree, yet businesses and individuals are still jumping on what has become a gold rush bandwagon.

“Enormous sums are being granted to companies hundreds of miles away from Somerset to exploit our hills while consumers will pay through their electricity bills.”

For more information contact Susan Tanner on 01749 674 139 or 07770 754 633 or email susan@wind whistle.plus.com.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/28/gold-rush-for-wind/