Peel Energy planning application - unusual comments
1. Facts
2. Relevant excerpts from Peel Energy's Community Consultation Document
Peel Energy's Conclusion
Excerpt
In terms of this particular planning application, opinion was split. There were many who expressed opposition, but also a large number who were supportive or undecided. Opposition to the Broughton Lodge wind turbines was expressed mainly on the grounds of visual impact, the impact on the ecology of the local area, and noise pollution. Peel Energy will continue to work with Allerdale Council, the local community and other interested parties to address the issues raised.
Facts
1. The question was " Do you broadly support the proposal for Broughton Lodge wind turbines? "
26 strongly disagreed, 2 disagreed. 8 "don't know" 2 strongly agreed and 8 agreed.
Therefore 28 disagreed and 10 agreed,
The phrase "opinion was split" implies a 50:50 divide. This was not the case. 28 don't support:10 support.
Consultation excerpts
Peel Energy will also be keeping local residents up to date as to the progress of the planning application. Should the application be successful, Peel Energy will be ensuring that disruption during construction is minimal and will be in regular contact with the local community regarding works.
FACT
A large number of people simply did not know about the proposal, if it had not been for e-mails and a leaflet drop that advised people how to comment on the application, this application would have been left to the planners to make a decision without any idea of how we felt.
Consultation excerpts
The exhibition was attended by 64 residents and stakeholders. All attendees were asked to fill in a short questionnaire to provide their views on the development proposals and to raise any questions about the development. 15 questionnaires were completed during the exhibition and a number were taken away for completion to be returned using the freepost address provided. In total, 46 questionnaires were completed. Members of the local parish councils and two planning officers and one member of Allerdale Borough Council also attended the exhibition.
Responses to Question 6. Further details provided regarding aspects of the proposals that concerned people:
"Broughton Moor, Maryport and the surrounding areas already have a huge amount of wind turbines which impact dramatically on the beautiful views in all directions."
"Cumbria has more than its share of wind turbines." – mentioned by two people.
"Cumbria has enough [wind turbines] and they are spoiling the county."
"Very important to work with the RSPB as the pond is an important base for migrating birds"
"Disturbance to wildlife on pond near to the site."
"Kestrels, coots, woodpeckers at old farm, curlews, partridge, woodcock, lapwing, foxes, skylark and red bunting, as well as ducks and geese on the pond will/may be affected by change. I have seen all these species in the area affected by the proposals. Also, other birds colonise and visit the pond e.g. black headed gulls, plovers and swans. Would high white masts have an impact as the test masts are a lot smaller in size?"
"Am not convinced that there will be no harm to birds. Visually they will be an eye-sore."
"Wildlife, noise, ugly turbines, the disruption to the wildlife when being built."
"I do not wish to see more and more in Cumbria after these 3 – no more – we have enough."
"Wave power in the Solway Firth would be much better. The amount of energy supplied does not warrant the spoiling of the landscape. They often stand still."
"Money could be better spent on a reliable source of electrical energy. Investors in industry will not look at a country with an unreliable grid."
"The flicker effect, and when the opencast was shut we were told it was "to be a place of quiet reflection."
"Not cost effective for the country."
"Devaluation of our property."
"Don’t want to see these monstrosities on my daily walk."
"How many wind turbines is enough for our country? Cumbria was beautiful."
Responses to Question 10. Further feedback provided:
"Answers to the above questions, particularly our county’s target. How many turbines are needed to satisfy the target?"
"Keep Cumbria beautiful!"
"A tidal barrier holding back water which could be used for leisure purposes (yachting, board yachting, swimming, diving etc."
"With all the hassle of Rob Rigg and the Solway (people never seem to listen!), visually all electric windmills impair viewpoints and in my opinion any proposals for any windfarms near Broughton Lodge
should be refused as the rear of my house and others overlook the area proposed. A beautiful area
and it should stay that way." "How many more will come after these 3? You should keep them in the Solway where they are not as visible."
"Carbon capture! Ever hear of a brilliant invention called the tree. Photosynthesis, brilliant invention, been around for millions of years, proven, if Allerdale stops chopping them down. Save our copses and orchards and stop concreting over our villages!"
"Why are we subjected to these visually intrusive, noisy monstrosities that kill. I recollect also that there is a covenant on that land." "Three is a start, how many more?"
"Did not get any notice of this meeting." "The proposed location of these wind turbines, virtually in our back yard – directly in our line of vision to the Lakeland Hills – not acceptable!"
"Simple! We don’t want them!"
"Worked all my life to pay for "a home in a rural village" only to risk seeing it devalued by these aliens." "Broughton Lodge is used as what it was intended as a nature park by many people and it will be
ruined by a windfarm." "As long as all areas play their part. Cumbria has more than done that."