British Horse Society Study shows that Silton Turbine Site is Inappropriate

The results of a new survey commissioned by the British Horse Society (BHS) shows that the proposed site for 6 giant industrial wind turbines at Silton in Dorset is inappropriate because of the danger to riders using the nearby bridleway.

The BHS sent 400 Consultations out to bridleway officers, development officers, and affiliated bridleway groups. Of those who responded 16% rode near turbines, the majority of which were on, or very near a right of way (the remainder being on private land).

Problems for the rider that this survey identified included; the turbines casting shadows, creating noise, the risk of flying ice in winter, and horses being spooked by the movement of blades. All of these problems often also caused the rider to fall or become unseated (with several of the respondents requiring hospitalisation).

Even those people who responded that they had encountered no problems stated that this was only because they were riding horses who were accustomed to the turbines or riding very steady older horses, and they acknowledged that they could understand how other people’s horses may be upset by the presence of a turbine.

In one particular instance, a report of over half the members of Haworth and Oxenhope riding club experiencing problems was reported, this being over 100 incidents.

Respondents were also asked if the presence of turbines would deter them from taking their horse to a given place, e.g. an equestrian holiday - of particular relevance to the Silton case. Of those who answered the question, two thirds would not take their horse on holiday where there were turbines present, both because of an uncertainty of their horses’ reaction to the turbines and because they thought the turbines spoilt the landscape.

This latter finding will have particular implications for the three bed and breakfast business which are owned by residents located closest to the Silton site.

Chris Langham, Chairman of Save Our Silton, commented:

“Although responses to the planning committee are already in, we hope that the Officer will take into account this additional damning evidence as to why the Silton site is not appropriate for the development of giant wind turbines. Horses are regularly ridden across this location and the BHA evidence shows this development would be an accident just waiting to happen”

For further information please visit our website www.saveoursilton.org or call 07968 049 832