April 18, 2013
England

Wind turbines too close to homes, say residents fighting green scheme

Residents have set up a campaign group to protest against plans for two 40-metre-high wind turbines they claim will damage their health.

The concerned neighbours created Plodder Lane Residents Association this week after they discovered the plans for the turbines which, they say, will be just 100 metres from their Farnworth gardens.

Construction company Seddon wants to build the turbines on land to the north of their head office in Edge Fold Industrial Estate, off Plodder Lane.

The 115-year-old family-owned firm says the turbines were chosen because they had the least visual and noise impact.

But nearby residents think they are too close to their homes and are worried there may be health risks associated with the noise. Yogi Patel, one of the organisers, said the turbines could cause tinnitus, stress and sleep disorders.

“They will be a blot on the landscape and we are all very concerned,” he said.

“Our main concerns are the effects these turbines would have on our homes and the community, health and safety and the proximity of these 40-metre turbines being just over 100 metres from our homes.

“We also have an abundance of wildlife that could be affected, including foxes, rabbits, bats, migrating birds and kestrels.”

The association is being supported by ward councillor Andy Morgan, who said he would speak for them when Bolton Council planning committee considers the scheme. He also called for planning officers to come up with a borough-wide policy on turbines.

Cllr Morgan said: “The fact it is so close to residents homes is not acceptable.”

He added: “Seddon is a very responsible company and their aspirations to become carbon neutral is commendable, but it cannot be at the detriment to people living nearby.”

Seddon business development manager Matthew Sorrigan said: “The company has already installed photovoltaic panels on the roof of one of its units at the Edge Fold estate.

“Our aim in the choice of the turbines has been to minimise the impact on the local community and environment.”