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Visit the Rooksbridge and East Brent village website
WINDFARM pages
H
ere

Go to the official NoPilrow website
Here

Go to the Broadview Energy website
Here

 

NoPilrow Windfarm


Locals Reject Pilrow Wind Farm!

Media release for NoPilrow

 

NoPilrow is again celebrating the fact that local people have overwhelmingly demonstrated their rejection of Pilrow Wind Farm! Although more comments are anticipated, to date over 300 letters, of which over 95% are opposed to the wind farm, have been posted on the Sedgemoor District Council Planning Website. The few letters supporting the development, with the exception of one, seem to be either from people who are not local and will not be adversely affected, or from people who appear to have been recruited on the streets by eco-activists. Local residents have been bolstered by the tremendous support given by Tessa Munt, MP for Rooksbridge and East Brent and County Councillor John Denbee. The Parish Councils of Badgworth, Chapel Allerton, Compton Bishop, Mark, Brent Knoll and East Brent & Rooksbridge have all objected to the proposal, further demonstrating the strength of opposition to the proposed wind farm.

NoPilrow spokesman, David Maund said “From the outset of its campaign, NoPilrow has said the vast majority of residents did not want this industrial Wind Farm forced upon them. The wind farm would despoil our beautiful landscape and this has been clearly recognised by the people who represent us at all levels including Tessa Munt who recently met members of NoPilrow. This endorsement from our representatives and residents alike proves conclusively that NoPilrow has been right; Broadview and their monstrous wind farm are undesirable interlopers.”

David continued “The vast majority of comments on the Sedgemoor Planning site are objections to this proposed wind farm, clearly illustrating the wishes of the community. It gives NoPilrow an unquestionable mandate to continue its opposition.”

David Maund concluded “Although the official deadline for comments has expired it is still possible to send in your objections to the Planning Officer preferably by email” (Sedgemoor Planning Application 24/12/00018)

For further information visit www.nopilrow.com

ENDS

 

 

Media release for NoPilrow

MP, County Councillor and Parish Councils Unanimously Reject Pilrow Wind Farm!

Tessa Munt with Members and supporters of NoPilrow
(Left to right - Peter Briggs, June Briggs, Dr David James & Tessa Munt MP)

NoPilrow is celebrating the fact that all local representatives have now unanimously rejected Pilrow Wind Farm! On Friday, following a meeting with representatives of NoPilrow, Tessa Munt, MP for Rooksbridge and East Brent reaffirmed her support for the NoPilrow campaign. County Councillor John Denbee and the Parish Councils of Badgworth, Chapel Allerton, Compton Bishop, Mark, East Brent & Rooksbridge have all objected to the proposal.

NoPilrow spokesman, David Maund said "We are very pleased that the voice of the people has been recognised. From the outset of our campaign we said the vast majority of residents did not want this industrial Wind Farm imposed upon them, desecrating our beautiful landscape. This endorsement from our representatives proves beyond doubt that NoPilrow has been right; Broadview and their monstrous wind farm are unwanted intruders.”

David continued “The overwhelming number of comments on the Sedgemoor Planning site are objections to this proposed wind farm; this clearly illustrates the wishes of the community. It gives NoPilrow an unquestionable mandate to continue their opposition.”

David Maund concluded “We urge everyone to object NOW before it is too late!” (Sedgemoor Planning Application 24/12/00018)

Following the great success of NoPilrow road shows, a further event will be held at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge on Tuesday 7th August from 4pm to 9pm. For further information visit www.nopilrow.com

ENDS

 

Media release for NoPilrow

Is this Broadview’s idea of community consultation? 

After many months and on the eve of school holidays when many residents were away on vacation, Broadview submitted a planning application for their controversial Pilrow wind farm near Rooksbridge. NoPilrow spokesman, David Maund said “This submission was low profile and regrettably Broadview, with all their resources, failed to notify by post, many residents of East Brent and Rooksbridge. Perhaps with the increase in postage, it was a cost too high for Broadview?”

On Friday, representatives of Yes2wind, a lobby group funded by the wind energy industry, were present on Burnham High Street. At this time of year most people passing the stall were holiday makers but were still asked to support Pilrow wind farm.  When asked by a member of NoPilrow, “Jeff” a professional activist admitted that he and his colleagues were being paid by Broadview for their services.

Later the same day, East Brent Parish Council had a planning meeting to discuss the wind farm. The meeting was full to overflowing with concerned residents, but no Broadview representative could be seen. For whatever reason, it would appear that Broadview despite having been informed of the meeting, failed to make an appearance. East Brent PC voted unanimously to object to Pilrow Wind Farm.

David Maund added “Broadview or their agents are prepared to actively engage with visitors to the area yet appear to be unprepared to meet residents who will be affected by this proposal. We feel it shows a dismissive attitude towards residents.”

David Maund concluded “We urge everyone to object NOW before it is too late!” (Sedgemoor Planning Application 24/12/00018)

Following the great success of NoPilrow road shows, a further event will be held at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge on Tuesday 7th August from 4pm to 9pm. For further information visit www.nopilrow.com

ENDS

 

 

DON’T FORGET – The developers and the landowners are the only beneficiaries, while it is our scenic rural environment and landscape will be damaged by these towering turbines for the foreseeable future!

Time is of the essence.

Objections must be received by 20th August 2012

A full planning application to erect four massive 130m Wind Turbines in the parish of East Brent and Rooksbridge has been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council, by Broadview Energy.

These Wind Turbines in no way produce cheap energy. In fact the energy companies who are keen to install these industrial complexes, have to date... been  subsidised nationally by over One Billion pounds of government money and increased energy bills all paid for by the public!

If you feel that you do not want your countryside ruined. And are not prepared to subsidise these rich  energy companies via your power bills...

...Now is your chance to put your objections to Sedgemoor District Council.

NoPilrow is arranging workshops in the area where members of the committee will be available with computers and data etc, to help you present and register your views and objections.

Every household member may write to object – PLEASE encourage friends and relatives to write also,

Quoting SDC ref: 24/12/00018

For all the details on what is at stake and how to object please go to the official NoPilrow website.

www.nopilrow.co.uk

 

 

  • East Brent Parish Council unanimous in their decision to object against Broadviews planning application

    On Friday 3rd August, the East Brent/Rooksbridge Parish council met to discuss/review the Broadview planning application for the proposed wind industrial turbines at Pilrow.

    Local residents jostled for position as there was standing room only. One surprise was a no show from the developer Broadview who did not attend to present their case. So much for community support, Broadview cannot be bothered to attend this important meeting. They are so contemptible of the community.
     

    A number of the No Pilrow action group, were allowed to state their case against the development. This was then followed by other local residents who were given the opportunity to speak.

    The PC then took a vote which was unanimous (8 from 8) to object to the planning application on a number of aspects. John Denbee, County Councillor for Rooksbridge, was also present and whilst not allowed to vote, addressed the audience pledging support. Whilst this is very good news for our community, the next major hurdle is try and get Sedgemoor Planning department to turn down Broadviews planning application - so still a lot to do. Keep the objections coming.
     
  • DIRTY TRICKS - It has transpired that an organisation called Yes2wind were on Burnham on Sea high street on Friday 3rd August (also think that they were also there the day before). This organisation had a table top set up at the front of the now closed Sanders fruit & veg shop. Armed with placards attached to lamp posts, they stopped people in the street and spouted off about how great wind power was and that action groups such as NoPilrow were just peddling myths. They then asked the people if they agreed with wind power and then got them to sign a basic templated letter (same as the ones that Broadview have sent to some local residents and on their web site). I guess that many of the people that signed, may not have even realised what they were signing for, and we also expect that many live outside the area (eg holiday makers). They were also handing out literature with Brodview headings on the paper. Thus expect that there will be quite a number of letter being submitted to Sedgemoor planning that support the planning application. Once again this is an example of Broadview trying to bribe/pay for support. Its quite clear that we are not playing on a level field - however, this will not distract NoPilrow from their main objectives of doing what they can, to stop these Industrial Wind Turbines from appearing on the Somerset Levels
     

 

 

Media release for NoPilrow   

 29/07/2012

Just one of the four Rooksbridge Wind Turbines could

wipe out TV to 3,500 homes!

 

Many residents are blissfully unaware that the proposed wind farm at Rooksbridge may interfere with their television reception.

NoPilrow spokesman David Maund said “Broadview have stated that Pilrow Wind Farm may interfere with television reception. Turbine 4 will potentially affect 3,500 homes (equivalent to a town about half the size of Burnham). Residents will only know whether their TV reception is adversely affected when the wind farm becomes operational; then and only then will mitigation be considered. Hopefully residents will not suffer the same fate as residents in County Durham where several households were left without television when a wind farm became operational. Only after many months did the developer accept that the wind farm was responsible”.

Broadview states that mitigation is available and residents will be able to use an alternative transmitter; this is not a matter of flicking a switch; at the very least aerials need realignment and even then you may not get the local news!

Broadview claims to be a “responsible developer that strives to build a good rapport with local communities”. If the residents lose their TV signal, it is to be hoped that Broadview honour their commitment and immediately rectify the problem.

David Maund, NoPilrow spokesman, added “The only way in which residents can ensure the continued enjoyment of their television viewing, is for the wind farm not to be constructed. I urge all residents to oppose Broadview’s application. Only last night, my whole family watched with enthusiasm the opening ceremony of the Olympics, relying totally on our TV signal. Ironically, it also reinforced the fact that the beautiful landscape viewed from our spiritual Glastonbury Tor, the captivating Olympic centrepiece, will be totally destroyed by the Pilrow Wind Farm”.

David Maund concluded “Broadview on their Facebook page claims that the wind results for the months March to June continue to be positive. Using information provided by Broadview, our analysis suggests the power output for a 2.5Mw turbine, over the last four months would have been only approximately 430 KWh or just over 17% of the maximum possible output. I ask you this; would you purchase a TV if it only had a picture for 17% of the time?”

Following the great success of NoPilrow road shows, a further event will be held at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge on Tuesday 7th August at 7.30pm. For further information visit www.nopilrow.com

ENDS

 

The 21st Century Pillage of East Brent and Rooksbridge 

In the dim and distant past, for many years the settlements surrounding Brent Knoll were frequently plundered and pillaged by marauding Vikings. In AD 875, following a battle on the slopes of the Knoll, the Vikings were finally repulsed from the area. Today, the villages of East Brent, Rooksbridge and surrounding parishes have to confront a modern day marauder determined to despoil our community.

NoPilrow spokesman, David Maund said “Broadview Energy, aided and abetted by greedy bankers and a naive political ideology, has submitted plans to construct an industrial wind complex on farmland at Rooksbridge, Somerset. The residents of the surrounding area must and will emulate the efforts of their predecessors and successfully oppose Broadview’s proposed desecration of our unique and beloved countryside. If constructed this wind farm, a grotesque scar on our landscape, will be the physical manifestation of- the 21st century pillage of East Brent and Rooksbridge.”

David Maund continued “It is ironic that the Rooksbridge site was initially investigated by Jorvic Renewable Energy Ltd, Jorvic being derived from Norse.”

Broadview Energy is seeking permission to erect four 130 metre wind turbines at Rooksbridge. These monstrosities will rise from the ground reaching a height much the same as the peak of Brent Knoll. When travellers pass through the gap in the Mendips at Loxton, the gateway to the West Country, they gain their first glimpse of the world renowned Somerset Levels. Their gaze is immediately transfixed by the iconic beauty of Brent Knoll, the focal point of the panoramic vista. If consented, this wind farm will be a monolithic blot on the landscape, destroying all that residents and visitors cherish about the Levels, its unrivalled beauty. Now, the developer informs us that they are only seeking permission for twenty five years, signifying something of a temporary nature, but it is a third of a lifetime. It means for many people, that they will never again see the unadulterated view of the Knoll.

Obviously Broadview Energy, being an unwelcome intruder to the area, does not share our opinion of the imposing Knoll. In their planning submission the Knoll is described thus

“The topography of the local area, being within the Somerset Levels is predominantly flat, Brent Knoll provides an anomaly within the local landscape levels.”

So there you have it, this iconic hill with all its associated history is just an anomaly, a mere inconvenience to the rapacious plans of Broadview. 

Broadview has included in their planning application, assessments of the impact that the wind farm has upon individual dwellings situated nearest to the turbines. The fact that these turbines have an adverse impact upon the majority of these dwellings is not disputed; Broadview accepts this. The following comments appear in Broadview’s planning submission

“The effect will be significant (High magnitude) and the house will be within the range of the wind farm landscape”.

 “A significant visual effect would arise”

“the wind farm would be visually significant. The access would be open and subject to a significant visual effect”.  

What is incredulous is the conclusion that Broadview makes of these findings. Broadview, in their submission, assert for the same three properties

“Residents will consider that the effect will be to render the property less pleasant as a place to live but it would not be converted into an unpleasant place to live”

“the overall turbine presence would not be overwhelming or over-dominant and would not convert the property into an unpleasant place to live albeit  that residents will consider their private amenity to be less pleasant than before

“Although within the dominant range of one of the turbines, the overall turbine presence.....  would not convert the property into an unpleasant place to live albeit that residents will consider their private amenity to be less pleasant than before.” 

So, having admitted that the wind farm would have a significant adverse effect upon many dwellings, Broadview conclude that the dwellings albeit less pleasant would not be unpleasant places to live. This is pure semantics and seems a bizarre stance to adopt when Broadview claims to be a responsible developer that strives to build a good rapport with local communities.  

It is analogous to the Vikings having plundered, looted and raised settlements to the ground, claiming that the area was still a pleasant place to live. Residents of East Brent and Rooksbridge must feel that they are to be “sacrificed” to appease Freya, the Norse Goddess of wealth, so that she looks favourably upon Broadview and fills its coffers with gold.

If any resident is concerned that their home may be adversely affected by the wind farm, then please visit www.nopilrow.co.uk  or visit our roadshow to be held at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge at 4pm to 9pm. Tuesday 7th August.

 

 

Do we too, need to live in the shadow these inefficient and expensive turbines in order to supplement our power needs?

VILLAGERS who fought to stop a controversial wind farm near Yarm Nr Stockton are now learning to live in the shadow of the giant turbines.

Go to the NoPilrow Windfarm website Here.


Part of a Broadview Energy project of 5 windturbines

Coming to a place near you ,Soon!

 

Media release for NoPilrow   

18 July 2012

Subsidies 

It is now clear from numerous reports that the government are finally taking heed of the views of the vast majority of the British public affected by these wind turbines. Not only do these monsters despoil beautiful countryside but it is now overwhelmingly apparent that they are inefficient and subsidised to such an extent that they are becoming one of the root causes of the increase in fuel poverty in this country. Our view is not only should all these subsidies be scrapped but this should happen much sooner than 2020 otherwise all we will see is a mad scramble by profit motivated companies intent only on taking all they can whilst it is there to take.

 Like all other wind energy companies seeking to batten on the generous subsidies paid for by consumers Broadview Energy will now surely be aware that the tide has turned against this particular “scam”. The overwhelming local opposition to their proposed planning application, the recent decisions on the Huntspill wind farms and the reduction, and later removal, of generous subsidies paid for by all of us through out energy bills means that this particular gravy train is finally coming to a halt.

 Wind turbines do very little if anything to reduce global carbon emissions. Without subsidies they cannot and never will support themselves financially and now like most other countries we in Britain are finally if somewhat belatedly realising this. The people of East Brent, Rooksbridge and the surrounding countryside have lived with this threat for a year now and we would like to think that the company will finally get the message and withdraw their proposition and give the villages and people back their peace of mind. Life for most people at the moment is stressful enough without the shadow of 130m turbines hanging over us all.

 If you would like to help or just want to find out more about NoPilow, then go to www.nopilrow.com or email nopilrow@gmail.com.

 

ENDS

 

 

Huntspill windfarm plans rejected!

Today Tuesday 24th April 2012. The Sedgemoor Development committee threw out plans for 9 turbines at East and West Huntspill.

see report on Burnham on sea website here.

 

 

Media release for NoPilrow   

Pedal Powered Horse Racing raises £1,310 for campaign!

 A fantastic night of “Pedal Powered Horse Racing” was had by all young and old at Mark Village Hall last Friday 27th April.

Nearly one hundred people gathered to support NoPilrow, who are fighting against the building of a Wind Farm at Rooksbridge.

Seven races were run, with guests having the chance to buy each horse as well as placing bets. In addition to this, there was a pig roast and licensed bar. In total £1,310 was raised.

NoPilrow spokesman David Maund said, “It was a very successful evening, with everyone joining in and competing. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the team that made this possible.”

Rosie is a winner!

Broadview Energy have indicated, that they anticipate being in a position to submit a planning application for the Rooksbridge Wind Farm by late April. NoPilrow spokesman David continued “These added funds are very welcome as we are now stepping up our campaign in readiness for the planning application. This has been a very good week, with the fantastic news that the two Huntspill Wind Farms have been rejected by Sedgemoor District Council. We are absolutely delighted for the residents of Huntspill. It is obvious that the residents of Somerset and those that represent them, do not want monstrous mechanical structures blighting their beautiful open countryside”.

As soon as the planning is submitted, NoPilrow will be holding events to show people how they can have their say. NoPilrow committee member Nick Woolmington said, “This will be critical to our fight, as we need as many people as possible to write to the District Council, opposing this application. I hope that Broadview energy will reconsider submitting their planning application now, in light of the overwhelming opposition to wind farms at all local levels - Parish, District and County. The recently enacted Localism Act as one of the central planks of Government policy and planning minister Greg Clark's statement that planning must respect decisions taken locally, surely indicate that this is not the development for this area. We are ready and will not stop until we have won our battle!”

If you would like to help or just want to find out more about NoPilow, then go to www.nopilrow.com or email nopilrow@gmail.com.   ENDS

 

 

 

Help Save our village! 

NoPilrow Windfarm   'Signs and Banners' are available now from:

David Maund. email David at: nopilrowpr@googlemail.com

David Maund. email David at: nopilrowpr@googlemail.com

Read below some reports from previous events.

 


Windfarm developers shunned

as government body dismisses

 Broadview's Bicton windfarm appeal

Friday, March 9, 2012

View report here

 

 

February Update meetings report

NoPilrow are pleased to announce that their February update meetings at Mark, Rooksbridge and East Brent were a resounding success, with in excess of a  hundred people attending the three events. The majority of residents  attended for the full two hours to discuss many issues.

Among these issues the most interest centred on  the visual impact of the turbines on our environment, wildlife and countryside; the fact that all wind farms were subsidised at consumers expense and the belief that the views of the local population were likely to be ignored in deciding whether this project went ahead.

Most felt that they were being kept well informed on the issue through the press, the Nopilrow website and community focal points such as the Post Office, but wished to find out how they could support NoPilrow and most importantly help us to fight the planning application if and when it comes in.

Further meetings and actions are planned so that we can continue to support the majority of residents in opposing this monstrous proposal.

NoPilrow are aware that there are very few local people in favour of this development which Broadview themselves have said will have a significant impact upon the local area. It is interesting to note that “Farmers Weekly” have carried out an online Poll asking views on the impact of turbines to the countryside. The results from over 2000 votes have been decisive in that 88% of replies “believe wind turbines are a threat to the British countryside”

 

 

Broadview Donation to Village Hall?

Statement by NoPilrow Committee

Read it
Here..

 

New photo montage

 

NoPilrow Committee have released another photo montage ready for their Information sharing sessions at Mark, Rooksbridge and East Brent. The montage shows how the wind turbines would look from the motorway bridge at Rooksbridge, where the busy A38 and M5 cross.  

Spokesman for NoPilrow, David Maund said "Now that the heights and positions of the turbines have been decided, we have used special software to give an impression of how the turbines might look if they were constructed. We are confident that we have done the best possible job with the resources we have. He went on to say "Even though we are a small village group, we feel we have managed to produce a relevant and descriptive montage. Although we have consistently requested through the media that they do so, Broadview have produced nothing even though they have the expertise and resources to do this quickly. We are anxious to see some of Broadview's montages as they will obviously play a large part in understanding what an enormous visual impact these structures will have on our locality." 

NoPilrow are very concerned about the serious distraction that the four enormous 426ft high turbines may cause to the drivers on the busy M5 motorway. This will be especially relevant for motorists driving South and emerging from beneath the A38 bridge at Rooksbridge when they will immediately be presented with this scene. We believe that our montage highlights both the conflicting views that drivers will be presented with, and the possibility of accidents occurring due to drivers momentarily losing concentration, because of the immediate visual impact of these turbines.

 

Visit by Giles Chichester MEP to East Brent Parish

 

Thursday 23rd February

 Mr Giles Chichester, Conservative MEP and Energy Spokesman for the ‘South West and Gibralter’ has kindly consented to visit East Brent and Rooksbridge at the invitation of NoPilrow Campaign against the Rooksbridge Wind Farm.

 Timings are as follows

 2.30 pm  -  Mr Chichester will arrive and be met by members of the committee,

 3.00 – 3.30pm - A  road tour around  the planned site. He will be able to see for himself the existing Met Mast, which as we know is only a little over half the height and a fraction the width of the proposed turbines, and gauge for himself the effect these proposed structures will have on the locality.

 3.30 – 4.30 pm – Refreshments and discussion at Battleborough Grange where he is able to get a clear view of the levels and the visual and environmental effects these turbines will have on some of the most pleasing views of our Somerset countryside

 It is expected that members from the East Brent Parish Council together with our County Councillor Mr John Denbee will be present at the occasion together with representatives of the Wells Conservative Association.

 A photoshoot will be arranged at Battleborough and it is hoped that press representatives will be present for this and put any questions that they may have.

 

From the Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group

Hi, 

As you may be aware two public meetings have been organised by Sedgemoor District
Council regarding the Huntspill Wind Farm applications.
 
The Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group has organised a blimp to show the
height of the proposed turbines to coincide with these meetings.
The blimp will fly at 400ft demonstrating the enormous height these
structures extend to.

The planning decision, likely to be made in March, will be made by the
members who will visit the area on Monday February 13th ahead of the meeting in the
East Huntspill Village Hall that evening.
The blimp will be flown during that day.
 
On Thursday 16th February, a similar meeting will take place in the Balliol
Hall, West Huntspill regarding the Ecotricity application.
Both meetings begin at 6pm.

These two meetings represent the local residents final opportunity to
make their feelings known to the council.

I trust you may be able to cover and report on both the Public Meetings and
the blimp, which will be flown at Emerald Pool Fisheries on Monday 13th
February. The owner's livelihood will be severely threatened by both
applications.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

Julie
 
Julie Trott
Communications Officer 
West Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group
07840722747

julieerica2@gmail.com
www.huntspillwindfarms.org.uk
 

Upcoming meetings Re. Pilrow Windfarm.

Date  Event Type  Location Time

Friday 27th April Fund Raising - Horse Racing Night  (Full details to follow)
Mark Village Hall 7pm-9pm

2012 - date to be confirmed Fund Raising - Sponsored Walk. Please see details below

 East/Brent & Rooksbridge

TBC In 2012 (November date to be rescheduled) Dinner/Dance. Tickets £TBC
 
Note associated with Update sessions:
 
Whilst the update sessions will provide an opportunity for local residents and supporters of the NoPilrow campaign to obtain updates, it will also be a less formal approach than previous. People can arrive and leave to suit themselves within the duration stated for the session. NoPilrow committee members will be available to discuss all aspects associated with the proposed wind farm at Pilrow.  Please make every effort to attend.

 

A trip to view a

working windfarm.

Provided by Broadview Energy for residents of Rooksbridge, East Brent and Mark villages.

A resident's report.

On a very cold day (Saturday, 4 February), Seven residents from East Brent and Mark took up the offer from Broadview Energy to visit a wind farm site at Low Spinney Farm in Leicestershire. Low Spinney Farm has four 125 metre high turbines which have been operating since September 2011. 

A coach was provided by Broadview which took us to a viewing point about 1.2 km from the turbines. The landscape is rural much the same degree as the Pilrow site but quite undulating such that the turbines are not always fully visible depending on the viewing point. There are no prominent features such as Brent Knoll in evidence. At 1.2 km from the nearest turbine, there was no noise from the turbines. However, a strong wind was blowing which tended to mask any noise. 

The group were then taken to the site access roads and onto the site itself. The site is close to the M1 motorway with the nearest turbines about 400 metres away. There are 3 villages in the vicinity, all more than 1 km away from the nearest turbine with a few farm buildings closer. We were told these are mainly the residences of owners of the land on which the turbines are built. We were promised on-site discussions with the local Parish Clerk but at the last minute she was unable to attend. A relative of one of the land owners did attend. 

The group were driven on to the site to within 300 metres from the nearest turbine which was rotating about 2/3rds maximum speed. The noise at this point was not excessive but there was a strong wind blowing that detracted from the noise of the turbines.

Various points were discussed with the landowner’s relative concerning the build and operational aspects of the wind farm. He told us that Broadview had agreed to provide about £5,500 to each of the 3 villages nearby for various community projects.
 

My overall impression was that the Low Spinney Farm site is in an essentially different rural location than the proposed Pilrow site albeit similarly close to a motorway. The Low Spinney Farm area is undulating and the motorway not in evidence from some of the turbines. The area around Pilrow is very flat and the proposed turbines will be in evidence for many miles. Brent Knoll is a feature with views that will be significantly spoiled by even one turbine. Broadview agreed that if Brent Knoll was not there, the site would probably not have been chosen as the accelerated prevailing winds enhances the suitability of the site.

Colin Loader    7 February 2012 

Personal notes :-

I am not a member of the NoPilrow Group, although I attend their meetings as I attend the Broadview presentations held within the Pilrow site area.

I am Chairman of the East Brent Harvest Home Committee and the East Brent Parish History Group.

 

NoPilrow Windfarm

Fund raiser events!

 Future Fund Raising events? Click Here.

Quiz night raises £245 for campaign

www.nopilrow.com


 

WINDFARMS ON THE SOMERSET LEVELS!

140 metre turbines could be coming to a place near you!

  1. August 16th 2011 The plan to erect the Rooksbridge/East Brent
    'Met Mast' is approved!

  2. September 21st the 'Met Mast' is in place!

  3. September 29th  "National Grid is to announced its preferred route corridor for a proposed 400,000 volt overhead line between Bridgwater and Avonmouth ".
    "The new line will also carry energy generated from wind farms across the south west"  Extract from Western Daily press Sep. 23rd 2011.

  4. Next will be the Turbine planning application.
    We must be ready!

  5. Jan 10th 2012. Broadview amend their original application of 6 x 140 metre turbines
     to 4 x 130 metre turbines!

  6. February 4th 2012. Just seven people from from a population of over 2000 East Brent, Rooksbridge and Mark residents take up Broadview Energy's free offer to view a working windfarm in Leicestershire!

  7. Next will be the main Pilrow Windfarm planning application.
    We must be ready!

When will the 'RAPE of the SOMERSET LEVELS'  begin?

(There are already two other Test masts in place at Huntspill and Puriton)......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is not Green energy, it is Greed energy!

Help stop it now!

If you live anywhere in or within sight of the Somerset Levels
You will be affected!
We urge you to resist this inappropriate drive for wind turbines and pylons on the levels.

We urge you to contact both the Sedgemoor and Somerset Council Planning committee. Also local newspapers and media, with your concerns about the devaluation of your home, the damage to: your family health, the future of your children, our unique local environment and wildlife.
And the increase in energy bills and local taxes needed to pay the huge subsidies to the energy companies and much more!

For details of the ways you can help to stop this blight on our lives and landscape. And more on how you will be affected, please checkout and support the local websites below. 

www.NoPilrow.co.uk  

http://huntspillwindfarms.org.uk/

http://www.no-moor-pylons.co.uk  http://no-pylons-loxton.co.uk

www.planninghelp.org.uk/

The wind blows 20% of the time. The government and consumers pay wind energy companies 100% of the time!  Think about it! Its your money!(JR)

*

Thursday 13th October

Broadviews Turbine supporter promotion
at the Webbington Hotel

20 attended Including 4 Broadview employees,
4 landowners and a local news reporter!

 

Cheese & Wine/Cider Social Evening

Friday 14th October
 

East Brent Village Hall

Some 80 supporters attended.

Raised £500 !

Check out all the up to date news

at:

www.nopilrow.com

 

Our MP meets villagers to show her support for the
No Pilrow Windfarm campaign

Outside the Wellington Arms in Rooksbridge, on a bright sunlit windless day on Saturday 3rd September. Villagers and supporters of the No Pilrow Windfarm campaign, were delighted to meet our local MP Tessa Munt. Who genuinely listened to residents concerns, and gave her support to the No Pilrow Windfarm campaign and against erecting windfarms on the Somerset Levels.

The Test Masts are already up at Huntspill and Pawlett!  And it is alleged that many other villages across the levels are being approached by Energy Companies seeking to erect turbines. This is to take advantage of the huge grants and subsidies from the government, and will be eventually paid for by consumer and taxpayer.

Hopefully Tessa will be able to put our concerns about the march of windfarms across this unique area to the planners and the government.
We must also lend our support to other groups across the Levels, and make the Somerset and Sedgemoor planners see this scheme is wrong before it is too late! JR.

Read Tessa Munt's view here

http://www.tessamunt.org.uk/tessas-view-on/pilrow-wind-farm/

To All NoPilrow Supporters:
An epetition on the Govt web site regarding wind farms has been created. We ask that as many as possible to  sign it. See http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5228
If we can get over a certain number then we believe that it will have to be debated. Even if we do not achieve the required numbers, we hope that sufficient will sign to give some ministers pause for thought.

 

Check out the official NoPilrow website

www.nopilrow.co.uk

for all the up-to-date news and progress!


 

 

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