April 18, 2014
England

Residents in East Cleveland react in ‘horror’ to 450ft high wind turbine proposals

By Laura Woodcock | Gazette Live | Apr 18, 2014 | www.gazettelive.co.uk

Residents in East Cleveland have reacted in “horror” to proposals to install two giant turbines.

The villagers of Kirkleatham, Yearby and Wilton have raised concerns about plans to erect two 450ft high turbines – taller than those in the sea at Redcar.

They would be located on land just south of the A174 at Wilton, near the foot of the Cleveland Hills.

So far, almost 200 separate objections have been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council about the proposals.

“The greatest impact will be on the local landscape,” said a spokesman for the trustees at Sir William Turner’s almshouses in Kirkleatham village.

“The turbines are surrounded by conservation areas, specially created by Redcar and Cleveland Council to protect the many historic buildings in the three villages.

“We are only half a mile from the turbines. We are also concerned that our elderly residents will become distressed by the flickering shadows of the turbine blades for several hours every sunny afternoon.”

Residents have also raised concerns about the potential noise pollution and the impact on the landscape and heritage buildings all around the proposed site. Protesters say the proximity of the turbines could also lead to the closure of the small airfield at Yearby.

Redcar Racecourse is among those who have lodged an objection because jockeys, trainers and owners will no longer be able to fly in and out of the airstrip.

Long term resident of Wilton Philip Chapman said: “We are not against wind-energy itself but quite simply, these turbines are too big and too close. Wilton is surrounded by a conservation zone to protect the collection of 18th and 19th century estate workers’ cottages and Wilton Castle itself. The turbines will be only 600 metres away and will completely dominate the village.”

Another local resident Laura Sharp added: “In my professional opinion, these turbines which will stand up to 10 times higher than the surrounding woodland, will completely overwhelm the created landscape between the villages.”

The applicant, onshore wind energy operator Airvolution Energy Limited, also plans to construct a substation and control building and a new access junction onto the A174.

The company has said: “Overall, the proposals offer significant wider environmental, social and economic benefits, which outweigh the residual adverse effects to the local environment surrounding the site.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/18/residents-in-east-cleveland-react-in-horror-to-450ft-high-wind-turbine-proposals/