September 13, 2015
Wales

Protestors ‘up in arms’ over Cardigan turbine plans

Carmarthen Journal | September 09, 2015 | www.carmarthenjournal.co.uk

Protesters against a wind turbine in Oernant Farm have said these plans would “dominate the Cardigan skyline and damage views across the Teifi Valley”.

At a recent Cardigan town council meeting, a group of protesters and Cae Morgan residents, who are part of the “No Oernant Wind Turbine” (NOWT), appealed to Cardigan town councillors to oppose these plans.

The plan is for a 500kw turbine, with a height of 45m; 67m to blade tip on Oernant farm.

Rachel Thackery, a Cae Morgan resident, bought her dream home in May this year, unaware of plans for a wind turbine to be built so close to her property.

Ms Thackery said: “The noise generated by wind turbines produces a deep thumping noise.

“The pressure can cause serious ear damage, ear pressure distress and other health problems.

“In 2010, my son was diagnosed with cancer, and a series of operations followed. Fortunately he was saved, but he is permanently disabled.

“Now a young adult, we want him to live with us but independently too.

If our son had the health issues that can be caused by the wind turbines, he would suffer again. We want him to love the rest of his life in peace.”

Protesters also asked councillors to oppose the wind turbine plans or to abstain from voting on the application.

David Harrison-Wood lives in Cae Morgan Mansion with his wife, also spoke on behalf of the protesters.

He said: “We are a part of a small group of people who live in Cae Morgan, near the proposed wind turbine.

“The plans came out of the blue in the last two months, there were no consultations.

“This wind turbine would dominate the Cardigan skyline and damage views across the Teifi Valley.

“If you do support this turbine and it is approved, it could be the first of a lot around Cardigan.”

However, Cardigan farmer Richard Jones, at Oernant, supports the wind turbine saying that would be built on his farm.

Mr Jones has previously said: “Community-owned turbines like this one will mean we keep money local and local investors and the community will benefit from the profit. I am more than happy to have this on my land.”

A spokesperson for Awel Deg said: “It is particularly hard for those living closest to the proposed turbine who feel that they are most affected by the changes.

“But, the planning process exists to make sure that all risks are evaluated using the best accepted data and that everybody is protected against any undue harm from required new development.”

Protesters have collected a petition of signatures and will hand it to Ceredigion Council once a date is set for the application to go before the planning committee.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/09/13/protestors-up-in-arms-over-cardigan-turbine-plans/