Wind turbine plans

26 June 2009

IT STARTED with none, and in less than six months it could be three.

Two more wind turbines could be installed in fields in Winscombe following a planning application submitted to North Somerset Council.

It follows the opening of a 13m high wind harnessing system at Winscombe Primary School in January.

The new plans, by Woodland Court resident Christopher Lomas, are for one 15 metre high turbine dubbed 'number 1' on land near Underwood End and another 10 metre high turbine near Field Way, 'number 2'.

Number 1 turbine would supply electricity for home use and outside lighting, while the latter would be for equestrian fencing.

Mr Lomas has told planning officers the turbines would help him reduce the carbon foot print of the property.

He added the noise from the systems, which would have an expected life of 20 years, would be minimal.

But opposition has already come in against the plan from a nearby resident.

In a letter to North Somerset Council, Keith Brown, of Greenhill Road, said: "A 15 metre turbine rushing around fills myself and my immedidate family in horror.

"The implication this will have on the area generally could be catastrophic.

"I cannot understand the need to introduce something of this clearly commercial venture into a small village where people enjoy escaping from the like. With country walks listening to natural sounds."

Both turbines would be based on land belonging to Mr Lomas, and cables from the systems would be laid safely underground.

The nearest residential neighbour to the turbines, which are on land used for animal grazing, is 92 metres.

Winscombe Primary School's turbine, officially opened by Weston MP John Penrose in January, saves £800 a year on power bills.

It was, however, nicknamed Chinook by neighbour David Egremont who claimed the system was a noise nuisance, despite its green credentials.

* A turbine could also be built in Congresbury at grounds used for livestock grazing and offices.

The owners of The Stables, in Honey Hall Lane, have applied to construct the 10 metre high structure.

It would be 145 metres away from the nearest road, 48 metres from Mendip Spring golf course and 150 metres from the closest neighbouring house.