August 7, 2013
Wales

Cardigan Golf Club says wind turbine threatens its future

BBC News | 7 August 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

A golf club claims plans for a proposed wind turbine nearby could threaten its future if given the go ahead.

Cardigan Golf Club has objected to the single 67 metre (220 ft) structure on land at Bryn Farm, a few hundred yards from its course in Gwbert.

Cardigan Fair Wind co-operative, which is behind the plan said it could power 300 homes and produce income that would help fund renewable energy schemes.

The club overlooks the Teifi Estuary and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Lyndsay Morgan, a member of the club’s executive committee, said: “The club’s main attraction is the view… but out of the corner of the eye you’ll have a huge wind turbine going.

“I can’t see that it will be anything but detrimental to the golfing experience.

“We have a very small budget so any drop in green fees that may be through this bad experience will be hugely detrimental to a club which is really on the tipping point in regards to finances.”

A public meeting was held at the golf club on Monday and attended by more than 100 people.

Some members feared the turbine would detract major events, such as the Welsh Ladies Team Championships which was held there in June, from being held at the club.

Cardigan Golf Club said the ladies event generated £100,000 for the local economy.

It was also suggested the wind turbine could create shadow flicker. This happens when the sun shines behind a turbine as its blades rotate which causes a flickering shadow.

Many also objected to the noise from the turbine.

But Dave Gillam from Cardigan Fair Wind said its members will hold a meeting in the next few days to discuss a way forward.

He added: “There are strong emotions, obviously, around wind turbines there are a lot of people who are vehemently against and always will be.

“But there are a lot of people who believe this is the energy of the future and we have to invest in renewable energy to bring huge benefits to Cardigan.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/07/cardigan-golf-club-says-wind-turbine-threatens-its-future/