NoPilrow Windfarm
Locals Reject Pilrow Wind Farm!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Coming to a place near
you ,Soon! |
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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
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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
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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
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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” |
