Call to protect householders from windfarms (From Oxford Mail)

Call to protect householders from windfarms

4:54pm Monday 11th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)

A VILLAGER has launched a petition in a bid to get the Government to protect householders from the impact of windfarms.

Ian Corkin, from Fewcott, near Bicester, is calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a law banning large wind turbines from being built within two kilometres of homes.

So far, more than 250 people have signed the online petition.

The move comes after energy firm Bolsterstone forced a public inquiry over its plans to build four turbines between Fewcott and Fritwell.

Last April, Cherwell district councillors voted against plans to build a £10m wind farm at Willowbank Farm.

Each turbine would stand 125m tall. The nearest home would be about 500m away. Residents raised concerns over construction traffic, the impact on wildlife, interference to televisions, the size of turbines, and their proximity to homes.

Now Mr Corkin wants regulations introduced to protect residents from similar developments on their doorsteps.

He said: “This is part of the campaign to prevent four wind turbines being erected in open countryside, less than 500m from dozens of dwellings, two conservation areas and a primary school.

“The noise, flicker and vibration will be intolerable. This is a situation made possible by the scandalous lack of any regulations regarding proximity, a position almost unique in Europe. Virtually nowhere is safe.”

Bolsterstone said the wind farm, just south of the M40, could produce enough energy to power 5,380 homes a year.

The firm is appealing on the grounds its environmental work was reviewed by the council and no problems were found. Its application was recommended for approval by officers.

A spokesman for the Department of Local Government and Communities said there was no set minimum distance between wind farms and properties and that applications were considered on a case by case basis. He said: “Acceptable separation distances for a turbine located in an industrial area will vary to that for one located in a rural area.”

The public inquiry is due to start on March 9, at the council’s Bodicote office.

To view the petition follow the link from ardleywithfewcott.com

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)