BIRDSEDGE, HUDDERSFIELD, WEST YORKSHIRE
Map of the proposed turbine sites
Just why are these wind turbines a Bad Thing for the village
Government coverup about noise levels - From the Times Online website
What about safety? How close is too close
Isn't Green Energy a good idea if we're going to save the world from Climate Change?
Links to articles, web sites and downloads about wind turbines and energy polict
BOLT
BIRDSEDGE AND DISTRICT OPPOSITION TO
LARGE WIND TURBINES
PLANNING APPLICATION 2010/91751 WAS SUBMITTED ON 26TH JULY 2010. YOU HAVE JUST THREE WEEKS TO OBJECT IN WRITING TO KIRKLEES
Just why are these wind turbines a Bad Thing for the village?
Here are some area specific and technical reasons why we don't want our village to be ringed by four structures that are almost the height of Blackpool Tower.
Visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty, including visual Impact on the skyline from the Peak National Park
Looming visual and audible presence over the villages of Birdsedge and High Flatts
Cumulative effect of this wind farm combined with others planned in the surrounding area – some over the border in South Yorkshire, but close to Birdsedge and High Flatts
Proximity to a residential community, being only 500 metres or so away from houses, and a church and 600 metres away from a primary school, a well attended village hall and a bus route with passenger stops.
Proximity to rural roads popularly used by horse riders, cyclists, walkers, dog-walkers, runners and hikers as well as local traffic and agricultural traffic
Proximity (less than 200 metres) to an area on Birdsedge Lane designated by Kirklees as a nature reserve and with planning permission for stables for Riding for the Disabled.
Potential dangers caused by ice being flung from the blades in winter (heavy chunks as large as 2 feet across having been reported in Lincolnshire). Even a small piece of ice can kill when flung from a blade or dropped from a height. From a very large wind turbine the 'throw' would certainly be within a 200 metre radius and could be up to 700 metres. (And we are in the same area in which accumulated ice brought down Emley Moor mast in March 1969, so don't think: It will never happen here.)
Potential dangers from debris, (turbine parts) due to mechanical failure, as has been experienced in Scottish, American and European wind farms and even (twice) in a turbine in Sheffield.
Potential Sun /Light flicker/strobe effect caused by such large blades at times of low sun causing major annoyance for residents in the shadow (most of the village) and also a driving hazard at times of low sun (much of the day in the winter time). Flicker not only causes annoyance which can affect wellbeing, promote feelings of irritability and anger (leading to aggression), but can also cause migraines and other health hazards. For some people, flashing lights can trigger potentially lethal epileptic seizures.
Potential noise disturbance to the school and dwellings across the whole frequency spectrum (the swish swish swish of blades for instance).
Very low frequency noise (that low rumbling noise you can barely hear but you feel it in your body) in particular is associated with health hazards such as anxiety and depression; aggravation and aggression; insomnia and/or loss of quality in sleep; lessened concentration and a general malaise. This affects not only humans but wild and domestic animals and birds. No amount of double glazing will keep it out of your house, it travels through wall unimpeded.
Potential harm to domestic animals, horses, cattle and sheep on the surrounding grazing land – and on your pets whose hearing is more sensitive than yours is.
Potential damage to wildlife – for instance there are a lot of bats in the area which are protected by law
Damage to a potential Iron Age archaeological site (never dug) on the crown of Castle Hill.
Potential for a mid-air accident as there is a local airstrip within 1 km of turbines (which will be in the flight path of the only runway)
Wind turbines may cause interference with television signals requiring adjustment or replacement of aerials or installation of cable/ satellite.
Massive disruption to local roads for many months during construction including the enlargement of junctions in order for the extra large vehicles to turn to reach the site.
Massive industrial construction in a greenbelt area
There is currently a private members bill going through parliament Wind Turbines (Minimum Distances from Residential Premises) Bill [HL] 2010-11, which will set the minimum distance from housing at 1.5 miles (approx 2 kilometres. This plan sets turbines at less than a quarter of that distance from housing.
If we are NIMBYs, we are NIMBYs for very good reasons. The proposed turbines are monster proportions.
If you live in Birdsedge, High Flatts, Cumberworth, Upper Cumberworth, Sovereign, Gate Foot, the top half of Shepley and parts of Ingbirchworth, you probably live within a 2 km radius of where these enormous turbines are likely to be sited unless we all do something together, NOW.
If England had adopted the European recommended standoff of 2km your homes would not be threatened with low frequency noise emissions, loss of visual amenity and potential loss of monetary value. The official planning application is in We have three weeks from July 27th to object
We'd love it if these offshore wind turbines (which is what they plan to use on land in Birdsedge) could be planted – well – offshore where wind energy and tidal energy could be harvested by the same machine! Seems to make sense really. Wind power alone is not sustainable - as we discovered in the recent cold snap when the accompanying low pressure meant that at the time the most power was needed, the wind wasn't blowing. We'll never be able to rely on wind power without backup from gas, coal and nucelar power stations.
If you have skills which might help our campaign and you wish to get involved, please contact Steve Ashley on 01484 606533. boltaction2009@yahoo.co.uk
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Quote planning number 2010/91751 on all correspondence with Kirklees Council
1) Write Letters Click for a sheet to help you (word document)
2) Display a BOLT banner. If you would like a banner they are £15.00 each or a donation to bolt would be nice. For banners contact Matt Wright: matt@ploughbarn.co.uk
3) Display a BOLT poster
4) Tell your neighbours
5) Donate money for costs (printing etc.)
6) Help with fundraising
7) Attend fundraising events