Against Turbines At Chiplow
Whatever your views on climate change and the causes of global warming,
most people agree that we ought to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels like oil
and gas. So we should be considering all sources of renewable energy. Wind power seems to be booming, but is it
really the best long term choice for the future? The fact is that we are facing a
huge detrimental change to our landscape and quality of life in exchange for a
very small return in energy produced.
EFFICIENCY & SUBSIDIES
Inland wind turbines generate electricity only 25% of the time on
average and are one of the least efficient renewables.
But wind companies are prepared to put turbines up almost anywhere in
order to get their hands on the huge government subsidies available for
renewable energy. In fact, wind farms
only make one third of their profits from the actual generation of electricity
and the other two thirds come from subsidies - paid for by you.
VISUAL IMPACT
There would be a devastating impact on our stunning landscape. Each turbine will be approximately 130 metres high at its highest point. This is taller than the Swaffham turbines which can be seen from Knights Hill, Kings Lynn.
NOISE and HEALTH
There are widespread registered complaints about noise from wind farms in the UK, but local councils are unable to take any action. The government knows that wind farms are noisy, and has changed the planning rules to allow much higher noise levels from turbines than from any other industrial site. The noise may be unbearable – but it’s legal. People living close to wind turbines describe it as a low frequency booming, rhythmic beat which is especially bad at night – closing windows has little effect on the penetrating noise which is felt as much as heard.
Doctors say that sleep disturbance causes health
problems such as headaches, tiredness, depression and anxiety. Independent medical
experts now say people should not live within 2.4km (1.5 miles) of a turbine
cluster. Most Syderstone properties are within 1.5km of the proposed turbine
site.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife organisations have expressed concern over the danger to
protected animals, including geese, bats, natterjack toads and other rare
species. Syderstone Common, our very
own site of scientific interest (SSI) will be affected.
PROPERTY VALUES
Your home could be devalued by up to 20% and be difficult to sell. These
are facts from a survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. This is
already happening in Syderstone because of the possibility of Chiplow.
CONSTRUCTION
There will be massive construction works to create the infrastructure
for the turbines; new access roads, cabling from the turbine site to Coxford,
excavation works, heavy lorries constantly in the area. Each turbine requires a massive amount of
concrete for its foundations, enough to fill three double decker buses (1243
tonnes). The plan is for 5 turbines now, but this could pave the way for many
more in our area.
HENRY BELLINGHAM, MP says:
“I am deeply sceptical and totally opposed to the location of any more on-shore wind turbines in open countryside. Given that permission has now been granted for well in excess of 500 off-shore turbines both in the Wash and along the Norfolk coast there is now no need for any further on-shore wind turbines in open countryside”