July 25, 2015
England

Stop Stretham Wind Farm Group launches online petition as part of ongoing anti turbine campaign

By Jordan Day | Ely News | July 23, 2015 | www.ely-news.co.uk

Campaigners fighting against plans to erect two wind turbines near Ely have launched an online petition.

The Stop Stretham Wind Farm Group (SSWFG) was set up in October after plans for two 102m high turbines to be sited in Cambridge Road, Stretham, were resurrected.

Farmer Chris Attle re-submitted his proposals for Redhill Farm to East Cambridgeshire District Council last autumn just weeks after he withdrew them.

They were withdrawn as he was having problems connecting the proposed turbines to the National Grid, however those issues have now been resolved.

The proposed turbines have proved controversial among local residents to date.

Cllr Bill Hunt, who is a county and district member for Stretham, and who is advising the SSWFG, said: “The benefits of any wind turbine application are far lower than the disadvantages they bring.

“These turbines are one and a half times the height of the tower of Ely Cathedral. That just is not acceptable.

“As a Fenman, I am a great lover of the big, open skies of Cambridgeshire and these turbines would certainly ruin the views. It’s not fair on the thousands of people who live in the area.”

Among the objectors is Peter Binns, of High Street, Stretham.

He said: “The siting of two 102m high turbines in this location would be totally out of proportion with the surrounding landscape.

“Their presence would represent a significant loss of visual amenity in an area of great natural beauty and historial significance.

“Wind turbines have proved to be among the least efficient methods of generating green energy and the negative impacts on the area and its residents would far outweigh even the most optimistic claims for the turbines’ contribution to renewable energy generation.”

Frederick and Barbara Benge, of Cambridge Road. They said: “You would see these masts for miles from every direction.

“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.

To view the petition, visit petitions24.com and search for ‘Stop Stretham Wind Farm’.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/07/25/stop-stretham-wind-farm-group-launches-online-petition-as-part-of-ongoing-anti-turbine-campaign/