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The picture
above was taken in September 2004, from the garden of Marie Hutchings'
home.
The fields, 600ft above sea level, are two miles outside the village
of Bradworthy
in north west Devon. It's where Devon's first windfarm has been built.
The first turbine was erected in the first week of February 2005,
and the other two were put into place during March.
The plans for three turbines at Forestmoor were originally refused
by the council, but the windfarm was given the go-ahead after a planning
appeal.
The 900 kilowatt turbines are 75m high (246ft) including the blades,
and cost £1 million each.
The three turbines can generate enough power to supply around 2,000
homes.
Marie Hutchings' view towards Dartmoor has been obscured by the giant
structures.
However, Mick McLoughlin of the turbine operators, Energie Kontor,
points out that sustainable energy is the way forward.
Here, both put their views:
Marie Hutchings:
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| Marie
Hutchings |
When
we came and looked at this bungalow 18 years ago, I looked out and
thought 'wow - space and freedom.'
The bungalow had been neglected since the war, but we decided to buy
it.
We moved in and renovated it because it's here, with no-one else around.
On a clear day, I can see all the way across to Brentor Church, and
now I'm going to get these blessed turbines.
I fought against them for three years and I hoped against hope it
wouldn't come to this.
We were the first campaigners in Devon and we have learnt from it
and passed on information to other groups who are now objecting to
new proposals for wind farms.
In retrospect, we should have objected on noise grounds, not visual
grounds. But at the inquiry into the plans, we weren't allowed to
question anything - it was like the decision had already been made.
To get the turbines in, they're having to remove a long section of
hedgerow. Okay, they'll have to put the hedgerow back again, but the
point is they're taking the hedge out.
There will be 60 lorry loads of cement per turbine, for the base of
each turbine. And how are they going to get the lorries through the
lanes?
If the turbines ran for 365 days of the year, I could accept them.
I wouldn't have fought the development if I thought the turbines were
efficient.
But of three turbines, on average, only the equivalent of two will
be operating because it's not always windy.
I think we've done everything we can, but we're still hoping beyond
hope - especially as the start date keeps being put back.
Mick McLoughlin (Energie Kontor):
These turbines will power 2,000 homes. Every year, the amount of CO2
emissions saved amounts to 6,780 tonnes.
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| Gentle
green giants or a blot on the landscape? |
The
turbines have a lifespan of 20-25 years, so in 20 years the CO2 emissions
saved will be 135,600 tonnes.
In addition, 79 tonnes of sulphar dioxide is saved every year, and
24 tonnes of nitrus dioxide.
This form of energy is totally sustainable, and wind as a resource
is absolutely free. And, because it's reversible, the turbines can
be taken down if something new comes along.
Wind power will never provide 100% energy, but it not the only form
of renewable energy. There will be other forms adding to the mix.
You could eventually have 20% of the UK's energy supplied by the mix
of renewable energy.
At the moment we're only at around 2%, so there is a long way to go.
I believe strongly in renewable energy. The Government is pushing
for it too. They've set a target of 10% by 2010 and 20% by 2020, but
these targets are unlikely to be met because of planning delays.
The Government has just published new planning guidance advising councils
not to refuse schemes on spurious grounds. So in principle, windfarms
can take place even in a sensitive landscape, such as within national
parks.
People say they're a blot on the landscape, but beauty is in the eye
of the beholder and they are a green form of energy. They are a symbol
of clean power.
We probably won't be doing any more in Devon - there are other opportunities
in Scotland. They are very positive about windfarms in Scotland and
have a target of 40% renewable energy.
Have Your Say
on Windfarms >>>
Article written 30th September 2004
Updated: 31st January 2005
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