Some Reasons for Objecting

Objections should, ideally, be in your own words. We have suggested some ideas about what you might wish to say in your letter of objection. Copying this text word for word may lessen the impact, though it is better that than not responding. So please take a few moments and do it now! 

Please do NOT include “impact on house prices” as a planning objection. This is not a planning consideration and as such will be ignored by the Council, though it can, we believe, be raised in relation to the general socio-economic well being of the community.

We need as many people as possible to write to object to these proposals. You may have your own reasons for objecting but here are a few to get you started:

•Visual Intrusion. These turbines will be up to 125 metres high - they will have a huge impact on the local landscape and there will be significant visual effects to around 6 - 8km from the site. The turbines will be visible Visible from Leicester, Rugby, Kettering, Corby and beyond.

•Loss of amenity. These turbines will be located close to much-used public footpaths, which will be significantly affected during construction.  They will also have an impact on a number of trails/footpaths that pass through nearby countryside, the Leicestershire Round, the Jurassic Way, Midshires/Macmillan Way and the Canal Tow Path. Horses are ridden/exercised in the immediate area and the British Horse Society recommends a minimum distance of 200 metres to avoid startling a horse. There are several established cycling groups who make extensive use of the area for enjoyment of the countryside and who could be put at risk from drivers distracted by these large moving machines.

•Impact on wildlife. This area is well known for its local wildlife including a large population of bats (a protected species) and in particular the Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats which are considered nationally uncommon and scarce, the Nathusius’s pipistrelle is a priority species under the Eurobats Agreement. Due to its migratory habits Nathusius’ populations may be especially vulnerable to badly sited wind turbines. Red kites (which are very limited in numbers) and golden plover (amber status) are regularly seen on the site. Wind turbines have been shown to chop up birds who fly into their paths and to kill bats that fly near by decompression.

•Impact on human health. The turbines, when rotating, cause noise and vibration. Other communities living close to existing wind farms have complained of not being able to sleep, stress and headaches. There are many varying reports about the impact on human health - should our community have to act as guinea pigs until this is proven?

•Proximity to local housing. The nearest turbine will be approx. 750 metres from homes in Gartree, 770 metres from cottages in Lubenham, about 910 metres from the Coach and Horses pub and 1.19 kilometres from Lubenham School.

•Proximity to roads. The turbines will be sited in clear view of the A4304, a dangerous, busy road which is used as the main diversion route when the A14 is closed. Drivers unfamiliar with the area are likely to be distracted by the sudden sight of the turbines leading to an increase in accidents on this road particularly travelling west from Market Harborough to Lubenham on Welland Lodge bend. It will also have an open and disruptive view from the busy A6 Kibworth to Harborough Road.

•Increase in local traffic. During the construction phase this will be particularly disruptive. The total number of off-site vehicle movements generated during the construction phase of the Development is estimated to be 8,182 over the seven-month period.  This figure includes 31 abnormal load deliveries and takes account of all construction vehicles (5,382 HGVs) generated by the above works during the construction period. It also assumes that there would be 10 workers on site with an average of one construction personnel per vehicle, i.e. 20 light vehicle movements per site per day (2,800 light vehicle movements). {Gartree Wind Farm Environmental Statement 11.3.1.1 Traffic Effects}