Proposed wind turbine could spoil Stithians, claim residents

Opponents of a proposed wind turbine at Stithians fear it could have a negative impact on the whole village.

London based Windberry Energy Ltd has applied to build a 62-metre tall (max) turbine at Pencoose Farm, with associated infrastructure and access track.

A campaign has been running locally against the idea for more than a year, ever since  plans to mount an anemometer, a device for measuring wind speed, on the site were first discovered.

The Turbine Action Group was set up and sent out more than 1,500 leaflets warning residents that something was afoot.

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Late last week, the group discovered that plans for the wind turbine had been lodged.

Resident and local businessman Chris Yates said the action group was concerned about the lack of consultation and claimed the system was "stacked in favour of developers chasing renewable energy targets".

He said: "We are worried that once one's there, others could follow.

"This thing would be the height of Truro Cathedral."

The action group claims the turbine would be a blot on the landscape, visible across the whole village.

It would adversely affect property prices and hit local businesses, particularly the tourist trade.

It would be noisy and the hundreds of tonnes of concrete used for the base could leach chemicals into watercourses.

The planning application was lodged with Cornwall Council on November 30, and residents living near the site began receiving consultation documents from the council this week.

Mr Yates added: "The clock is now ticking and we've got to get our comments in by December 27, but a lot of this time is going to be lost because of the Christmas break."

Neil and Laura Pardoe run Higher Trewithen Holiday Cottages and are concerned that the turbine will affect their business.

They said: We've got a holiday cottage business and the one thing we sell it on, and the reason people come back time and time again, is the quiet.

"They say how nice it is to have tranquility that most people don't have in their lives."

Local resident John Dale said: "I'm not against green energy, I just don't know how this is going to affect me.

"It could reduce the value of our homes by 20 per cent."

The action group has produced a second leaflet, informing people of the turbine application, which will be distributed shortly.

Details of the application, PA12/10650, can be found on the Cornwall Council website.