I WRITE to object most vehemently to the proposed

installation of wind turbines at Silton, Dorset, for the

following reasons:

1. Residents who live near wind turbines describe the noise

as almost intolerable and “like Chinese water torture”.

2. The flicker shadow generated by the blades on even

relatively dull days creates a deeply unpleasant stroboscopic

effect.

3. In France, no wind turbine is allowed to be constructed

within 1.5 km of housing due to the noise factor – there are

many houses much closer than this here.

4. These 120m turbines are taller than Salisbury Cathedral

with a blade diameter of 80 metres. They will be visible from

miles away; taller than Shaftesbury Hill their installation

will require massive piles and 1,000-tonne concrete plinths

which will remain in the ground even after decommissioning,

covered by only a metre of topsoil. The environmental impact in

such a beautiful area is unthinkably awful and will directly

impact on the economy in terms of house value and tourism.

5. Across the UK, the average working efficiency of wind

turbines is just 27 per cent. Here, in a relatively “unwindy”

area it is likely to be significantly less.

6. Even operating at 27 per cent, the amount of electricity

generated by the six proposed 2MW turbines is estimated at

28,400MW hours – is 0.007 per cent of UK consumption; a

negligible amount.

7. Even a far greater amount would not offset any

conventional power source. Wind power fluctuates and

electricity demand is highly predictable, so demands on the

grid must be sourced from “firm”, reliable conventional

sources. Running such sources on a rapid response rather than

predictable basis would be prohibitively expensive if wind

power were part of the equation.

8. Each turbine attracts subsidies, sourced from our

electricity bills, of £1.5 million for the developer regardless

of output and efficiency. Without these subsidies turbines

would not represent a feasible business proposition here.

9. In addition to the value of electricity sold and other

subsidies, each turbine generates some £2.5 million a year for

the developer – a hugely attractive business proposition with

an internal rate of return of about 25 per cent.

10. The developer, Ecotricity, has a history of starting

small and expanding sites; it is applying for planning

permission for six turbines which could become significantly

more; the landowner stands to make large sums of money per

turbine per annum, so as far as they are concerned, the more

the merrier.

11. The ecological “advantage” of wind turbines equates to a

cost per tonne of CO2 and carbon offsetting.

12. The ecological cost of manufacturing, transporting and

installing these turbines is enormous.

So who benefits? Ecotricity and those on whose land the

turbines are built.

Who loses? The local community, landscape, wildlife and the

environment.

Sarah Newitt