September 30, 2013
England

Fears over turbine bid impact on birds

Blackpool Gazette | 30 September 2013 | www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Fears over wildlife, noise and visual impact were raised by residents at an exhibition of proposals for a wind farm in Over Wyre.

RWE npower renewables wants to install up to seven wind turbines, each 125 metres high, on land at Cuckoo Wood, near St Michael’s.

The company says the scheme could produce enough electricity to power 8,300 homes a year.

But some residents are concerned about the impact of the proposals on the surrounding countryside, and told of their concerns at a day-long consultation event at St Michael’s Village Hall.

Pauline Jones, from Out Rawcliffe, said: “They want to build the wind farm right in the middle of a bird sanctuary, which is atrocious.

“This area is a feeding ground for pink-footed geese who come here between October and March from Iceland and Greenland to feed. It is just not the right place.”

Out Rawcliffe farmer Michelle Kidd added: “It will affect the flight path of the geese and there will also be an impact on the landscape.

“I agree we should have renewable energy but this is a very flat area so the turbines will be clearly visible and it is the number being proposed which concerns me.”

Other residents also said they were concerned about noise which could be created by the turbines.

Christine Cameron, vice-chairman of St Michael’s Parish Council, said it was vital all the facts about the proposal were known.

She said: “I am here to find out all the facts because this is a big issue for everyone in the village and it is important we are as well informed as possible.

“The parish council has not made its mind up yet, and it is vital as many people as possible take part in the consultation.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/30/fears-over-turbine-bid-impact-on-birds/