Protest group plans balloon demo against turbine plan
PROTESTERS will mark out the height of a controversial wind turbine planned for the Eden Project with a large multi-coloured balloon this weekend.
The blue and white striped sphere, which is 12ft in diameter, will be hoisted between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, January 10 at 127 metres, the height of the proposed turbine.
Newly formed action group NEWT – No to Eden Wind Turbine – will be launching the balloon to give people another chance to see the height of the turbine which could stand on the site.
Terry Corby said: "It is important to put up another balloon because many more people are more aware now about the issue than they were a month ago, and I come across a lot of people who don't know about it at all.
"Weather permitting we will be putting the balloon up on a site near to the Eden Project at a height of 127 metres.
"It is blue and white striped so whether it is a blue sky or cloudy it will still be seen; last time Eden put up a white balloon and it was a cloudy day. This one is also a lot bigger."
The Eden Project hopes to build the turbine to meet the site's annual £500,000 energy need with green energy.
Protestors hope launching another balloon will highlight to more people the impact they say the turbine could have on St Austell and the surrounding area.
When the Eden Project launched its balloon at the end of November protestors created simulated images of the turbine from photographs taken around the St Austell area.
They believe the turbine will be seen for miles and even overshadow St Austell.
Mr Corby said: "One thing we have found is a lot of people think the turbine will be the same size as the ones at Carland Cross.
"In fact at a height of 49 metres they will only be the length of one of the blades (45 metres) of the proposed turbine at the Eden Project."
This simulated image of Eden's proposed wind turbine also shows the height of the Carland Cross wind turbines in comparison, to highlight the difference in height between the two turbines.
The newly-formed NEWT protest group, which boasts more than 50 members, has brought together local residents and groups who object to Eden's plans.
They hope to battle against the plans to build a 127-metre turbine until Monday, January 29 when Restormel Borough Council is due to make a decision.
NEWT Chairman Malcolm Roberts said: "NEWT is about protecting the local landscape and environment from the mechanical monsters Tim Smit is keen to introduce to mid-Cornwall.
"There is no doubt that should his application be approved they will breed and infect the Clay Country at a rate faster than ragwort.
"Why should these residents have their every-day lives blighted by Tim Smit's ego to be the saviour of mankind?
"So we request Tim Smit to listen to his neighbours; remember that charity starts at home and not to inflict this giant, moving, whirring, flickering monster on the local community and landscape."
Eden did not wish to comment on the demonstration.
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by Adam, Wadebridge
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 9:59AM
“I take your point Jo if it's the proximity of the turbine that most concerns you. I'm struggling to think where turbines could go in Cornwall that aren't near to people's properties who would object in the same way you are?
The only option would be on Bodmin moor and I hope that would never happen...
The carbon footprint of the materials for the base and the construction was also discussed at the meeting and wasn't the result a carbon payback of a few years. You can't really compare a lifetime of clean energy (with the carbon cost being concrete in the base) against a lifetime of dirty energy that we are close to running out of (especially if the Russians have their way).
My point is that we have all got to take responsibility for our power. If that means some us living next to turbines: then so be it. Lots of us in cornwall already do this. Some people live by sewage plants, some by recycling facilities, mining works, big roads etc etc: it's just a fact of life.
Meg - that's the first time i've heard anyone mention local wildlife, so, I agree with Dave, I don't think the locals care that much. It was certainly not mentioned in the debate at Eden. It's a shame they aren't using this as more of an argument cos it's one I sympathise with.
What are the more efficient energy sources within Eden that can be afforded? You must also have been at the debate where this topic was gone over again and again?”
by Dave, Trethurgy
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 1:32PM
“"I think you'll find that it is not the house prices or sale of property that people are most concerned but the damage to the local environment"
I think you're being naive Meg. As a local, who has spoken to many residents, its the only thing that most people do seemed genuinely concerned about.”
by Meg, Garkar
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 12:37PM
“Eden's "goodwill gesture" was brought about by pressure from Eden Neighbour's Forum. NEWT, not considered by a well lubricated Christmas as suggested but by serious minded people who care about their local environment.
You suggest that the height of the balloon might not be genuine. How do you know whether this was or was not the case with Eden's own balloon?
The reason for the 2nd balloon was to give an opportunity to those who were unaware of Eden's balloon which was small and white against a cloudy sky.
I think you'll find that it is not the house prices or sale of property that people are most concerned but the damage to the local environment, Eden being surrounded by World Heritage Sites, SSSI's protected heathland, SINC's etc., plus the possible closure ot bidleways, clay trails etc.
Eden has plenty of other choices for producing its own energy. However, the other alternatives do not pay ROC's.
Something the very few people have commented upon is that this turbine would need pylons to carry electricity to the National Grid. As yet we do not seem to know where these would be sited.
It is not a time for petty name calling or casting aspersions but to concentrate on the serious business of the effect such a turbine would have on its close neighbours and on the whole of the St. Austell catchment area and beyond
.
I do not believe that there is a single person that would deny that alternative energy sources are required. However there are more efficient resources close to and within Eden itself.”
by Jo, garker
Monday, January 12 2009, 7:31PM
“You seem to be missing the point !! No one is objecting to wind power itself, when sited appropriately , and not so close to locals properties ! The Eden project are simply trying to reduce their electrical costs as they are realising falling visitor numbers ,and dressing this option up as a wonderfully green solution. What about the 1000 plus tons of concrete that the base will require ? Imagine the carbon footprint this will produce ? This proposal should have been submitted with the original plans when the Eden Project was conceived, not now when they are using their notoriety to influence decision makers into beleiving its the way forward. Eden are a business, and do you think other business's in the area would be given the same level of support if they simply wanted to save money on their own electrical costs by erecting monster wind turbines all over our beautiful countryside. Why is it we can all remember Eden saying they would not come out of the pits? I think the power has gone to their brains as they deny any knowledge of saying such things, funny that don't you think !!”
by Adam, Wadebridge
Friday, January 09 2009, 2:51PM
“Phil.
You are right and it is going to be a burden on some neighbours to the Eden site.
But this, like it or not, is the future. Energy we can afford that isn't going to run out has to be a priority for our generation to crack. Unless you want a nuclear plant in Cornwall?
We are all going to have to live by turbines i'm afraid and just be grateful it's only one. I live by 16. But it is satisfying to know where my energy is coming from.
I hope if it does get planning permission then as many steps as possible are made to limit the harm to wildlife, but I do fear for the buzzards and other large birds.
I don't mind if it takes out a UFO or two Chris! ;)
As usual. Cracking negative journalism from this shoddy rag. What happened to balanced views??”