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Campaigners outline concerns over plans to build two wind turbines in Ketton
Credit: Rutland & Stamford Mercury, www.stamfordmercury.co.uk 7 April 2012 ~~
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Campaigners against plans to build two 100m wind turbines have outlined their concerns.
REG Windpower wants to build two masts on land off Steadfold Lane, Ketton, and has submitted a planning application to Rutland County Council.
The firm says the turbines would generate enough electricity to power around 1,370 homes. But members of the Ketton and Tinwell Action Group on Wind Turbines, which was formed to oppose the plans, say the turbines’ proximity to the Hanson Cement plant would cause a number of problems.
Chairman Dick Bell said the group had seen research suggesting turbines could negate the effect of the accelerators in the chimneys of the cement works which spread emissions away from the area.
This could bring more emissions down on Ketton and the surrounding towns and villages.
Mr Bell also suggested the occasional “blowout” of the chimneys, which takes place two or three times a year, would deposit cement dust on the blades of the turbines. This could lead to the blades shearing, said Mr Bell, and potentially landing on or near housing. The nearest houses to the proposed turbines are about 500m away.
He added: “The consequences to human life are much greater here than they would be anywhere else. The view the protest group takes is that you simply don’t take the risk.”
Mr Bell said building turbines so close to a cement works was “unique” in Europe and more research needed to be done to find out the effects of one on the other.
REG development manager Owen Saward said that building turbines near to a cement works would not cause any problems.
He added: “Following consultation with local people we commissioned a detailed, independent study which categorically confirmed that the proposed turbines would have no adverse effect on emissions from the cement works chimneys.
“This continued scaremongering about a project to generate much-needed renewable energy is completely unjustified.”
Mr Saward also rejected Rutland MP Alan Duncan’s call for a balloon to be flown on the site to show the height of the proposed turbines.
Mr Saward said the firm had shown computerised images of how the turbines would look at three public exhibitions, adding: “These photomontages are produced in accordance with strict guidance to ensure they are accurate.”
For full details visit www.steadfoldlanewindfarm.co.uk.
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