August 22, 2014
Wales

Strobe light effect fears for Towy Valley turbine plan

Carmarthen Journal | August 20, 2014 | www.carmarthenjournal.co.uk

A public meeting is being held in Llanarthne next month over plan for a 243ft wind turbine overlooking the Towy Valley.

People living in the surrounding areas claim they will be affected by the turbine which is earmarked on land which was formerly part of Blaenpibwr, Llanddarog.

Carmarthen Energy Ltd, Seren Energy Ltd and a local land owner are behind the plans.

Eight properties lie within a radius of 650 meters of the turbine. David Marriott, of Cwmdifa Farm, said the turbine would be almost twice the height of the folly Paxton’s Tower.

He said: “Among our concerns are the noise effects at the close distance to houses are being understated.

“This along with the effects of light flicker from the blades through mature trees and vegetation, will restrict and endanger the present equine use of my land.”

Mr Marriott said that in the study into the turbine by Carmarthenshire Energy Ltd it found that the majority of Cwmdifa land can expect 51 to 812 hours of light flicker per year.

He said: “There would also be the potential for strobe light effects over a wider area, in certain weather conditions. Clearly light flicker can cause health and safety issues for people, including epilepsy and headaches, together with issues for wildlife and animals. In particular, the British Horse Society warns that horses ridden or otherwise can be alarmed by light flicker, from turbines, through trees and vegetation.” Mr Marriott added: “There are also safety concerns for the oil pipeline which runs through the farm, whose safety exclusion zone may take in some of the indicated proposed turbine site, together with issues regarding earthing and positioning of power lines.”

Residents are concerned that this development – if approved – will re-characterise the landscape.

Mr Marriott said it was of particular concern with the proximity of the existing turbine at Nantycaws which and others argue could devalue property.

The meeting will be held at 7.30pm on September 2 at Llanarthne village hall.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/22/strobe-light-effect-fears-for-towy-valley-turbine-plan/