Press release
Dear SHCG Supporter,
The Developers and their consultants have just submitted the results of the new round of noise monitoring to Herefordshire County Council. The monitoring took much longer than expected because there was not enough wind - an irony that speaks for itself! The submission of the data was originally announced for 9th April - we have been given no reason for this unexpected delay.
The Applicants' Report on the results of their noise monitoring will now go out for public consultation under Regulation 19. The Council say they will continue to consult Powys County Council about the new data. They have announced that they have once again engaged Enviros to provide an independent assessment of the Applicants' Report. SHCG will be submitting the noise data and analysis to Mike Stigwood, an acoustician working on our behalf. Our solicitors have followed up their original criticisms of the Council's handling of the case. The new noise assessment will come back to the Planning Committee. The Council have not given any clear answers about exactly what the report for the new meeting will cover. If the current measurements of noise impact lead to predictions above the allowable guidelines, the Council will have to reconsider its position.
SHCG has always maintained that noise impact is only one of many outstanding issues. Many of you will still have bitter memories of the Committee Meeting on 12th February 2009 and remember that a number of other issues were not properly considered by the Council. SHCG has just submitted a formal complaint to the Council dealing with some of these issues [To see the complaint click here]. The response is due this week and we will pursue all that we have included.
Thank you again for all your support. We will keep you informed about future developments.
Dr. Stephen Hugh-Jones, Chairman, SHCG, 20 May 2010
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The Stonewall Hill and Reeves Hill Conservation Group has been set up to co-ordinate actions and protect the tranquillity of Stonewall and Reeves hill which are under threat from wind power station developers. We welcome the establishment of renewable energy in suitable locations but this is a highly visible site perched at 400m (1300ft) on the Border between England and Wales and next to a road well-used by locals, sight-seers and walkers. Its forecast output of 25% of 10MW capacity does not justify the damage to the surrounding countryside.
The nearest properties are c700m (765 yards) from, and 200m (650ft) below, the tips of the turbines. Apart from the towering visual impact, occupants may be affected by noise and flicker impacts which in some areas have driven people from their home.
Those unfortunate to live too close to the 100M (330ft) turbines may be affected by excess noise pollution and flicker. In some areas, residents have been driven from their homes. Many other countries place strict limits on the distance a wind turbine can be from your home. In France, for example the turbine must be at least 1.5Km from your home but here it is only 500m!
The turbines would be bigger than any yet built in the countryside of Wales or the south-western half of England, and more than twice the height of those built at Llandinam, south of Newtown. That’s taller than Big Ben or a 30 storey tower block. They would be visible as moving structures for miles around from hills and valleys on both sides of the Border. Users of the Offa’s Dyke Path would have repeated views, notably from Hawthorn Hill and the Green Price Memorial.
If you wish to join our group and help save our rural environment from inappropriate development, then please complete the form below. You will receive regular updates as developments happen.
If you wish further information regarding wind turbines please visit http://www.countryguardian.net/
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