July 18, 2013
England

Fear over wind farm ‘blight’ as mast put up

By Jason Lock | West Briton | July 18, 2013 | www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

The installation of a “giant” meteorological mast has caused fury among neighbours near Truro.

The 60m mast is used to measure wind speeds and will form part of a new wind farm currently in the planning stages from energy company REG windpower.

It aims to submit an application to Cornwall Council to build three, 94m wind turbines that will sit next to the meteorological mast near Ventongimps.

But residents said the plans would be a “blight on the landscape” and have a “detrimental impact on local surroundings”.

Local Miles Pinchin said the construction of the mast “flew in the face” of public opinion, ignoring the 50 objections lodged to the council before the mast was put up.

On behalf of residents, Mr Pinchin said: “The mast going up has caused a lot of local concern. Our opinions are not being heard. But we want to now block plans for the wind turbines.

“The local community has many concerns, including the low frequency noise created by the wind turbines for homes less than 500m from the proposed site.

“The setting will dominate the local countryside where there are a number of nature reserves, a conservation area, a registered historic park and tens of listed buildings, including the historic West Chiverton Mine.”

But Sophie Hartfield, development manager for the Ventongimps Wind Farm project, said REG windpower was working to “strict guidelines” to minimise the effects on residents and the country side.

She said: “We are working to design a wind farm capable of generating a significant quantity of much-needed renewable electricity.

“Before we submit a planning application, local people will have more chances to meet us and discuss the project.

“We will have to comply with strict guidelines on noise, which are designed precisely to ensure that noise from turbines does not become a nuisance for our neighbours.

“We also propose to establish a Community Fund to support local good causes throughout the wind farm’s operating life.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/18/fear-over-wind-farm-blight-as-mast-put-up/