October 9, 2012
England

Balloon goes up in fight against turbines scheme

The Bristol Post | October 09, 2012 | www.thisisbristol.co.uk

Campaigners raised a weather balloon to 126 metres in Olveston to protest against two proposed wind turbines.

Olveston Windfarm Action Group wanted villagers to see just how high the new turbines could be.

It has since been revealed that the turbines proposed near Ingst, between the M48 and the M4 motorways, could be even higher with developer REG Windpower last week adjusting its proposals.

Instead of a scheme which would have seen three turbines at a height of 126 metres (413 feet), the company has changed its proposal to two turbines at up to 150 metres.

REG unveiled the changes to its original scheme following a public consultation last month.

The firm said it had taken on board residents’ comments and had adapted its plans accordingly.

A spokesman said it had remodelled the site with the aim to increase distances from as many farms and homes as possible.

But the news was not welcomed by the action group, which had to get permission to raise its weather balloon on Saturday from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Claire Barnard, chairwoman of Olveston Windfarm Action Group, told the Post: “Seeing how high 126 metres was by raising the weather balloon was enlightening.

“Lots of villagers commented that they were surprised by how high up it was.

“The proposed turbines could be even higher, and that’s why we are against them.

“They would be too close to homes, which would be affected by noise, and they should not be placed on greenbelt land, which is what is proposed.”

REG has not yet put in a planning application to South Gloucestershire Council for the scheme.

The Olveston Windfarm Action Group will also elevate the balloon again this Friday and Saturday.

To read more about the new proposal visit www.m48windfarm.co.uk.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/09/balloon-goes-up-in-fight-against-turbines-scheme/