The Proposed Scheme
An article in the Eastern Daily Press on 20 July 2007 alerted local residents of plans to erect six giant wind turbines each 135 metres tall in fields on the outskirts of Beccles. Three turbines were planned on land at Devonshire Farm, Ringsfield and another three on land at Laurels Farm, Barsham. Geoffrey Meen of Laurels Farm was quoted as saying that he looked forward to seeing them erected on his land by 2010. The plan, fronted by Michael Stamford then of Mellinsus Renewables, had developed from the idea of Beccles resident Hannah Blowers for a community project to, as she put it “save the planet for our children”. A group calling itself G3 was formed by Hannah Blowers, Roy Blowers, Samantha Burke along with Weston residents Helen Felton, Robert Kett, Chris Povah, owner of Devonshire Farm, Geoffrey Meen from Barsham and Michael Stamford. The turbine proposals immediately raised strong objections from local residents, some of whom wrote to the press in response to the article. Concerned residents quickly banded together and within a short period the HALT campaign was started. Without consultation with local residents or any warning of their intentions, the G3 wind turbine plans grew in scale to a total of twelve 135 metre tall turbines as other land owners, beguiled by the prospect of easy money from renting their land, joined the G3 group. Ray and Brian Barker at Granary Farm, Ringsfield and Mike Frost at Ringsfield Hall Farm, Barsham City each offered their land for the erection of three turbines. Mike Frost subsequently declared that he had withdrawn his support for the plans after becoming aware of the overwhelming opposition from his neighbours and local residents. However, Michael Stamford, after forming Stamford Renewables insists that the existing agreement is legally enforceable which will mean that Mike Frost cannot prevent the turbines being built on his land. Plans prepared by Stamford Renewables still show three turbines on Mike Frost’s land. Waveney District Council Planning Department has been advised of the intention to submit a formal planning application before the end of July 2009.
The industrial scale of the turbines in a quiet rural location close to the market town of Beccles and overlooking the Waveney valley which forms part of The Broads National Park is quite overwhelming. The massive turbines sited on elevated ground will tower over the countryside and be visible for many miles in all directions. St. Michael’s church bell tower has for centuries been the dominant local landmark but will be dwarfed by the turbines which will be more than four times its height. The close proximity to dwellings of these giant structures is cause for even more concern as some are to be sited within 300 metres of homes, far closer than wind industry accepted practices. The impact of such a development would be huge for nearby residents, the town of Beccles and the amenity of the Waveney Valley for local people and its many visitors alike. The quality of life of many residents will be diminished, the nature of our surroundings impaired, the countryside subjected to noise pollution, the visual aspect of the area forever altered and property values depressed. We should ask ourselves that if this industrial wind park is given the go-ahead, would anywhere in the region be out of bounds for similar development? Wind turbines could spring up wherever landowners are prepared to take money to have these massive machines built on their land.
The HALT campaign held a meeting at Ringsfield Village Hall in January 2009. The hall was filled to near capacity as almost 100 local residents attended to voice their concerns and anger at the wind turbine proposals. Regular HALT newsletters have alerted residents to developments and the campaign has grown as increasing numbers of people have become aware of the proposals, realising the impact that they will have on their lives and the area in which they live. The surrounding parishes have been alerted and share the alarm and concern. Beccles business owners have expressed their worries about the effect on trade from visitors to the area. Waveney District Council Chairman Mark Bee opposes the turbine development and has expressed his support for the HALT campaign.
In summary:
A Total of 12 3MW Vesta turbines are proposed - 3 each at:
Devonshire Farm
Granary Farm
Laurel Farm
Ringsfield Hall Farm
The scheme is being proposed by Stamford Renewables Ltd -www.stamfordrenewables.com
Each turbine is 85m to the the hub or nachelle with 45m blades giving an overall height of 130m or 427 ft.
The figure gives an indication of the scale of the turbines compared with Beccles Tower.
Comparison of proposed windturbines and Beccles Church Tower.