Do they benefit communities or bring planning into disrepute?

The UK is seeing a growth in the development of wind power generation as the Government seeks to meet EU renewable energy targets. Wind energy developments can often have a significant impact on the appearance of the landscape. For this and other reasons they are often highly controversial in the local areas where they are proposed. This briefing sets out the findings of CPRE’s investigation of a growing number of cases where developers of new wind farms are offering various forms of payments and benefits directly to local communities, as a means of overcoming opposition to development.

These voluntary ‘goodwill payments’, sometimes also known as ‘community funds’, are also routinely offered by at least three leading generators of wind power in connection with every new proposed development.

Click the PDF icon below to read the full CPRE briefing document.

Unfortunately, this event has been postponed until Spring 2009. We will let everyone know the new date for the event nearer the time.

Halwill Village Hall filled once again on 9th September with angry local residents to hear an update on the proposed wind farm development from the Chilla Against Turbines (C.A.T) action group.

Attendees were shown a video which demonstrated why the countryside was being plagued by such industrial developments, as the government tries to achieve unrealistic renewable energy targets.  It explained why wind turbines are neither efficient nor “green” and the cost penalties to be paid. Highlighted was the fact that each UK household is ultimately to pay for the huge £500,000 per turbine per year subsidies through increases in their gas and electricity bills, and taxes. 

The presentation outlined the key facts including the possible health risks caused by noise, vibration and flicker to any household within a 2km zone (the nearest house being only some 563m away).  It also included footage showing the dangers of turbines catching fire, malfunctioning and collapsing.