EDF Energy and Ecotricity propose 9 & 5 wind turbines respectively, to be sited on the Somerset Levels close to the Huntspill River National Nature Reserve.

We have lived in West Huntspill for many years and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the village and surrounding countryside. This will be completely destroyed by the imposition of these huge industrial machines.

The potential impacts of the installation of these monstrous machines regarding noise, shadow flicker and, perhaps most importantly the visual impact such huge structures will have to the detriment of the character of the area need to be seriously considered by the planning authorities.

We are not against green energy providing it is in the right place, preferably at sea or in an industrial area such as Avonmouth.
Why is a safe distance of at least 2 kilometres from any occupied dwelling not imposed in this country as is the case in many European countries?
The nearest homes to the proposed Wind Turbines will be only just over 500 meters away. This is far too close and will significantly affect local resident’s quality of life.

Wildlife also suffers as was demonstrated by an article in the Telegraph only last month. Despite being told by the power company that they could expect one bird death in twelve months, a staggering 14 have been killed in six months. This small turbine at a primary school in Portland, Dorset has now been switched off to avoid further distress to the children.

If you take away the indirect subsidies that are paid in the form of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC’s) from which the companies installing them and the landowners stand to make huge financial gain and are paid for from ‘our’, the tax payers money, then they wouldn’t even be considering installing them in the first place as they are simply not cost effective.

This is all about greed and has nothing at all to do with creating green energy.

From

Julie Trott & John Wakefield
West Huntspill Action Group