Residents discussing the wind turbine proposals at the South West Ipswich Area Forum
Ipswich: Residents voice anger at turbine proposals
By Victoria Kalbraier
Thursday, November 8, 2012
2:00 PM
RESIDENTS in south west Ipswich were out in force last night to express their anger and concern over proposals for two new wind turbines.
The plans would see two wind turbines sited at Thorington Barn, near Belstead, next to the A14.
The turbines would be put up on land owned by Ipswich Borough Council, but actually in Babergh district.
The hall of Suffolk New Academy was packed for the South West Ipswich Area Forum, with the turbine proposals the first item on the agenda.
The audience heard ten minute presentations from Peter Evans, co-founder of the Stop Ipswich Turbines (SIT) Action Group and Susannah Miller of Partnerships for Renewables (PfR) – the green energy company responsible for constructing the turbines.
Mr Evans outlined the concerns of residents living close to the site, including how turbines would be an “overpowering presence” that would “affect the quality of life dramatically.”
Mr Evans explained that after visiting a similar site in Kessingland near Lowestoft, members of SIT are concerned about the health problems caused by close proximity to turbines and shadow “flicker” caused by the sun going behind turbine rotors.
Mr Evans also voiced his concerns that there had been no “proper consultation” about the plans.
Ms Miller attempted to address the issues raised and assured residents that PfR had undertaken several studies and consultations and would hold more before the planning application is submitted to Babergh District Council.
Ms Miller said PfR studies have shown the Thorington Barn site to be “very compatible with wind turbines” and it is estimated that the turbines will provide enough power for around 2500 homes.
PfR is hoping to submit the planning application early next year and, if successful, it is planned for the turbines to be made operational in 2014-15.
Following the presentations, residents were given 30 minutes for questions.
Questions and concerns included the lack of information provided to residents about the proposals, effects on quality of life and the noise created by the turbines.
Some of the residents’ anger was also directed at site owners Ipswich Borough Council.
Borough council leader David Ellesmere explained that the deal was signed between the former Conservative/Lib Dem administration in 2008.
He said: “We have to deal with the situation we have now, which is to allow them to build the turbines on the land – should they get planning permission from Babergh.”
What do you think about the proposals? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk
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2 comments
I attended the council meeting on wednesday 31st October and was concerned with Councillor Martin's response to a question raised on the Wind Turbine Proposed Application. As well as not inviting comments from people living in the vicinty of where the Wind Turbines are to being considered for erection, I believe Councillor Martin made it clear that IBC will not support Ipswich residents opposed to the Wind Turbines once Partnership for Renewables (PfR) submit a planning application to Babergh Council who have juristiction over the IBC owned land. I may have misunderstood what he was saying but I thought that was the gist of comment. If this is true I am appalled. I live in Netley Close and from my house and rear garden have an excellent view to the SW of Ipswich from Jimmy's farm right across to the woods at Belstead Village. I also enjoy walking in the area and use most of the footpaths on the IBC land as I walk from home to places like Alton Water, Brantham, Dedham, Bentley, Capel St Mary, Great Wenham and beyond. I, like others, realise the need for looking into renewable forms of energy. Wind Turbines on land should not be considered where people are living or walking. On my walks I meet many others, some walking their dogs, others just out for a stroll. Those I have talked to about the proposed wind turbines are all against them. Almost all agree that they should be sited off shore. There are plenty of turbines in place at sea, another 3 to generate the power suggested that the Thorington Barn wind turbines might produce should be considered. The views I have at the moment would be spoilt with these Wind Turbines. I am sure I will also hear them and when the sun or moon are in particular positions will see the flicker too. Sorry but I do not want this to go ahead. It's a pity the people of SW Ipswich, Pinewood, Belstead, Wherstead and other nearby locations were not consulted before IBC agreed to let PfR proceed with considering the installations that they are. I thought the IBC land in question was put aside for people to enjoy not become an industrial site where Wind Turbines would be erected. It is going to be difficult to convince all and sundry that the final locations will be sufficiently far from residences and public footpaths. This latter point is significant because if there is a chance that one of the Wind Turbines should fall, and there is always a chance, it must not be anywhere near a public footpath. Brian Bennett Stoke Park Ipswich
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Brian
Friday, November 9, 2012
Ipswich Borough Council have invested local tax payers money into a schme they dont really understand but could give them some money back from a bad purchase of land years ago, the developer, well they dont seem very clued up with what they are doing, i wouldnt by double glazing from them (sorry double glazing salesmen), lack of information, if they have spoken to one person they call that a consultation, WAKE UP IPSWICH RESIDENTS, before these things keep you awake, all night !!!!
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A Rust
Thursday, November 8, 2012