April 16, 2013
England

Disabled riding school joins wind turbine fight

Melton Times | 16 April 2013 | www.meltontimes.co.ukMelton Times | 16 April 2013 | www.meltontimes.co.uk

A riding school for the disabled has become the latest protestor to express concerns over plans for a 259ft high wind turbine near Somerby.

Melton councillor for Somerby ward Mark Barnes, who says he is aware that his proposals have ‘provoked strong and varied reactions’, wants to install the 79m high turbine on his land at Southfields Farm, to the south of the village.

However the Mount Group Riding for the Disabled association fears that the turbine’s close proximity is likely to distress both the horses and their riders.

Pat Bishop, chair of trustees to the riding school, said: “It’s paramount, when working with our sensitive riders, many of which are autistic and some have epilepsy, that there are no adverse noises beyond our control which are likely to cause distressing reactions in them.”

Somerby Riding School has also expressed similar concerns as Gail and Tony Stimson, who own the school, are worried that horses will take fright at the sound and sight of the blades, which could lead to accidents.

Somerby Parish Council is also unanimously opposed to the plans over concerns about noise and visual impact.

Protestors, who have formed the Somerby Turbine Opposition Plan (STOP), took their campaign to the proposed site on Saturday, April 6, but were unable to fly a blimp to show how tall the turbine would be due to bad weather conditions.

Mr Barnes said: “I am fully aware that my proposals, and others like it, provoke strong and varied opinions. The role of Melton Council’s development committee is to consider the proposal and all of its objections, which will be provided to them.

“I have every confidence that they will give them thorough consideration before reaching a decision on my application.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/16/disabled-riding-school-joins-wind-turbine-fight/