October 6, 2014
England

Plans for two wind turbines at Redhill Farm in Stretham are re-submitted

By Jordan Day | Ely News | October 06, 2014 | www.ely-news.co.uk

Contentious plans to erect two wind turbines on farmland in Stretham have been re-submitted.

Just weeks after farmer Chris Attle withdrew his proposals for Redhill Farm, in Cambridge Road, he has now re-submitted them to East Cambridgeshire District Council.

The plans were withdrawn in August as Mr Attle was having problems connecting the proposed turbines to the National Grid, however those issues have now been resolved.

The turbines, which would be 75m high to their hub and 102m high to the tip of their blade, have proved controversial among local residents to date.

Maureen Lee, of Newmarket Road, Stretham, said: “This will be a huge change to our unique landscape and will spoil the views of our big skies. Everyone who travels to and from Ely on the A10 will view these monstrosities which are one-and-a-half times the height of Ely Cathedral.

“I am very concerned about noise, shadow flicker and the proven dangers to birds and bats. In Europe and Scotland no turbines are allowed within 2km of a dwelling. Surely this should be the case here too.

“TV reception may be affected and the housing market definitely will. I certainly would not buy a house near these things.”

Frederick and Barbara Benge, of Cambridge Road, said: “The A10 is the main route to Ely; a very busy road. You would see these masts for miles from every direction.

“They are not only an eyesore, but it appears they do not even generate enough electricity to make them viable. I know some farmers are struggling, but this is easy money for them, not for the environment.

“Not only would they be very visual, there is the noise to consider, flashing when the sun shines on them, and possible effects for migraine and epilepsy sufferers.”

The applicants are proposing to offer five per cent of the turbines’ annual income to Stretham Parish Council.

A decision on the turbines could be made within eight weeks.

To have your say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/06/plans-for-two-wind-turbines-at-redhill-farm-in-stretham-are-re-submitted/