Suffolk Green Party have entered the debate about proposals to build wind turbines to the south west of Ipswich, calling for the councillors who support the scheme to stand up and be recognised.
“If we’re to meet our carbon emission reduction target and secure our energy supply, we need on shore wind turbines as well as offshore ones,” said Ipswich Green Party coordinator Barry Broom. “I live in Chantry and welcome these majestic symbols of clean energy in my backyard. But I’d like to see them also as propellers of the local economy. There would be more local support if locals were given a chance to invest in the project.”
Robert Lindsay, co-ordinator of Babergh Green Party said: “The company says it is open to community investment where possible. Babergh and Ipswich councils should follow the examples of other councils and not miss this golden investment opportunity. Under the Feed in Tariff scheme, revenues from the turbines are guaranteed and inflation linked for the next 20 years.”
“I and Barry Broom have met the company to propose that a proportion of the project is opened up for community investment. The company has not ruled this out and its own literature states it will explore the idea where possible.”
Ipswich Borough Council’s current arrangement with Partnership for Renewables, signed in 2009 by the then ruling Conservative/LibDem administration, envisages merely leasing the land to PfR in return for rent. PfR is also saying it will pay £12,500 a year into a community benefit fund. At current feed in tariff rates (which may be cut after 31 March) the turbines would generate £480,000 annual inflation-linked revenue the turbines will generate for their owners for the next 20 years.
Wind turbines have the potential to substantially increase revenue for hard-pressed local authorities like Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and even Belstead Parish Council were it to choose to invest.
Barry Broom added: “Ipswich Conservative and Lib Dem councillors agreed the tender to build the turbines but several of their number are now saying they don’t like them. Meanwhile the ruling Labour councillors in Ipswich have been cowardly in their silence. It’s time they spoke up in their favour.”
Filed under: Ipswich Borough Council Tagged: | Barry Broom, Conservatives, Ipswich Green Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Robert Lindsay
I feel that Barry Broom and Robert Lindsay are not addressing the main concerns of those who are opposed to this development which seems to be excessive noise at nearby houses. I don’t live in that area and so don’t know the facts. I am strongly in support of onshore wind farms in general but we must take note of genuine concerns about particular projects. I am a member of Suffolk Coastal Green Party.
Hi Eric, If once tests are done, the turbines don’t meet the noise guidelines, meant to safeguard residents, the company will not apply for planning permission, because it will not get it.
Robert L
The problem is, Robert, that the guidelines were designed a long time ago and actually allow the equipment to be noisier at night than in the day time.
No. Night time there is less ambient noise. So the claim is the sound may be more intrusive then. But without tests, no one knows.
The regulations allow a higher decibel level at night Robert.
By the way the mocked up picture you are using is now outdated – assuming it was accurate in the first place. PfR are now talking about two turbines only and one of the two is in an entirely different location. .
You’ll note that the art we used to illustrate the “Wind Turbine locations revealed” article is more accurate, being released by PfR. We prefer, when individuals are making an allegation like the attack you and Barry have made on Labour, to illustrate with a head & shoulders shot, but we couldn’t find one.
Have emailed you a headshot.
I stand corrected – 40db during day, 43db at night.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/8621266/How-noisy-is-a-wind-farm.html
Quietest site Daily Telegraph could find – Rutland Water Nature Reserve, wind in trees and grasses – was 49.6db
Which is 9.6db higher than the maximum allowed…
Which of you is going to complain to God?
Would Robert like to look out of his house onto the monstrosities?
Yes
Especially if I was allowed to have an investment in it.
On a point of clarification the above states “£480,000 annual inflation-linked revenue the turbines will generate for their owners”. The revenue generated from any wind energy project is dependent on a number of issues such as the wind yield produced, inflation, financing, construction costs, maintenance and market support mechanisms. Therefore landowner revenues are expected to be a fraction of the above estimate, which was most likely made on a Feed-In Tariff (FIT) basis, whereas this project will not qualify for FIT. (Partnerships for Renewables 14/1/2013)