Our current major concern is EAST STOKE - the plan for 4 (formerly 6!) huge (higher than salisbury cathedral) wind turbines, clearly visible from the historic tourist town of Wareham. If evidence showed this would really help reduce Co2, there might be a slim case for it (barring better alternatives). However, the story is one of money over common sense. This radio 4 program gets right to the heart of the onshore wind problem: Costing the Earth 
ARTIST'S CONCEPT:
VIDEO OF EXPLODING WIND TURBINE:more relevant videos 
BBC NEWS:
Wind farm blights farmhouse!
Wind farm blights farmhouse!
A Rebuttal for Seekers of the TRUTH! »A document that debunks the British Wind Energy Association's 'Top Myths about Wind Energy'. Read now »
FACT: Wind turbines generate on average only between 7% and 27% of their "nameplate" capacity.
Dorset Against Rural Turbines
Assessing the facts and acting before it's too late.
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Purbeck Hills:
The tiny, intermittent output of electricity and the negligible CO2 savings from the proposed East Stoke wind turbines cannot possibly justify the huge sacrifice of that most finite resource - our countryside. It is our duty to protect our rural heritage for present and future generations from such gross and unnecessary industrialization.
Combined Heat and Power
added 20 ⁄04⁄ 10
A real alternative for Dorset
Dorset Green Winfrith
New Earth Energy has recently submitted a Planning Application to Dorset County Council for a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility at Dorset Green Technology Park, near Wool, which was previously known as Winfrith Technology Centre.
The CHP plant will be a Renewable Energy facility with a feedstock of partially-treated domestic waste that will thus be used as a resource rather than being sent to landfill which is presently taxed at £48/ton and soon to rise to £72/ton. The facility could also be powered with other biomass fuels such as willow coppice or miscanthus. It will consist of ten independent units which will produce a total of 10 Megawatts of electricity for the National Grid (no new pylons will be needed) and 10 Megawatts of heat to be used for the central heating of buildings throughout the site at Dorset Green. Read full article »
New Earth Energy has recently submitted a Planning Application to Dorset County Council for a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility at Dorset Green Technology Park, near Wool, which was previously known as Winfrith Technology Centre.
The CHP plant will be a Renewable Energy facility with a feedstock of partially-treated domestic waste that will thus be used as a resource rather than being sent to landfill which is presently taxed at £48/ton and soon to rise to £72/ton. The facility could also be powered with other biomass fuels such as willow coppice or miscanthus. It will consist of ten independent units which will produce a total of 10 Megawatts of electricity for the National Grid (no new pylons will be needed) and 10 Megawatts of heat to be used for the central heating of buildings throughout the site at Dorset Green. Read full article »
Dorset Threatened by Massive Industrial Turbines
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The Fight Begins (AGAIN!)
Infinergy have announced their revised planning application for 4 industrial wind turbines at East Stoke near Wool, the previous application having been withdrawn in the face of strong objections from Natural England, the County Council and the Dorset Wildlife Trust and from local people. They have now applied to Purbeck District Council for four turbines 410 feet (125 metres) high at the same location.
Four other applications for windfarms have recently been refused mainly because of noise pollution to nearby houses. Homes here are within some 550 metres – and some residents have been driven out of their homes by the noise from a windfarm. The turbines will visually dominate the Purbeck Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the World Heritage Coast and will be visible from much of Dorset.
Although DART will be requesting an extension to the consultation period, letters of objection need to be sent as soon as possible. We also hope to be holding a public meeting in the near future.
Read the full article, including our Golden Rules of Objecting & Grounds for Objection, click here »
Four other applications for windfarms have recently been refused mainly because of noise pollution to nearby houses. Homes here are within some 550 metres – and some residents have been driven out of their homes by the noise from a windfarm. The turbines will visually dominate the Purbeck Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the World Heritage Coast and will be visible from much of Dorset.
Although DART will be requesting an extension to the consultation period, letters of objection need to be sent as soon as possible. We also hope to be holding a public meeting in the near future.
Read the full article, including our Golden Rules of Objecting & Grounds for Objection, click here »
Important Planning Decision
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Noise Impacts on Nearby Residents taken into Account
A planning application for a single 125 metre wind turbine in Bradford has recently been refused by a government planning inspector on the grounds “that the turbine would be overbearing and oppressive to a number residents and the noise produced could lead to the neighbours losing sleep”.
The decision was based on World Health Organisation, British Standard guidelines and codes of practice, as well as ETSU-R-97.
Below are links to 2 of the latest in a series of information sheets provided for the Councillors on the Planning Committee of Wychavon District Council in Worcestershire.
Planning_Matters_Bradford.doc »
Planning_Matters_Askam.doc »
The decision was based on World Health Organisation, British Standard guidelines and codes of practice, as well as ETSU-R-97.
Below are links to 2 of the latest in a series of information sheets provided for the Councillors on the Planning Committee of Wychavon District Council in Worcestershire.
Planning_Matters_Bradford.doc »
Planning_Matters_Askam.doc »
Success for Save Our Silton!
added 04 ⁄09⁄ 09
SOS heard and answered...
Application for Wind Farm at Silton, North Dorset, rejected by Council:
On 2nd July, North Dorset District Council Development Control Committee voted unanimously to reject the Ecotricity proposal to build 6 wind turbines at Silton Gillingham. Subsequently, Ecotricity withdrew its application. However, as the anemometer mast is still in place, the campaign against this development, Save Our Silton(SOS), remain prepared for the possibility that Ecotricity will submit another application at a later date, - either for fewer turbines or to try to take advantage of the new draconian planning rules due to come into force later in the year.
The reasons given by North Dorset District Council for rejection of planning application for 6 wind turbines at Silton can be summed up as follows:
The full, official wording is in the full article, here »
On 2nd July, North Dorset District Council Development Control Committee voted unanimously to reject the Ecotricity proposal to build 6 wind turbines at Silton Gillingham. Subsequently, Ecotricity withdrew its application. However, as the anemometer mast is still in place, the campaign against this development, Save Our Silton(SOS), remain prepared for the possibility that Ecotricity will submit another application at a later date, - either for fewer turbines or to try to take advantage of the new draconian planning rules due to come into force later in the year.
The reasons given by North Dorset District Council for rejection of planning application for 6 wind turbines at Silton can be summed up as follows:
- Proximity of inhabited dwellings
- Noise
- Landscape
- Effect on tourism
The full, official wording is in the full article, here »
Massive CO2 Saving Falsehoods Admitted
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Windfarm lobby bows to A.S.A. and cuts Co2 saving
figures by HALF!
Twice as many wind turbines as previously calculated will be needed to provide the same degree of reduction in Britain's carbon emissions
Promoters overstated the environmental benefit of wind farms: The wind farm industry has been forced to admit that the environmental benefit of wind power in reducing carbon emissions is only half as big as it had previously claimed.
Read in full »
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: 21ST DECEMBER 2008
Promoters overstated the environmental benefit of wind farms: The wind farm industry has been forced to admit that the environmental benefit of wind power in reducing carbon emissions is only half as big as it had previously claimed.
Read in full »
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Artist's Concept from Rushton Lane
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The Middlefield Cottages are much closer than the turbines
but are still dwarfed by the massive spinning blades -
higher than Salisbury Cathedral Spire!
Our Information & Our Objections Stand
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A response to Infinergy's claims in their recent booklet
NB: This is our initial response, outlining the grossest misinformation in Infinergy's booklet. However, we will be presenting a more detailed rebuttal soon.
Background: Despite huge numbers of objections from local residents, organisations such as Natural England and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Infinergy and landowner Will Bond are determined to press ahead with an unpopular planning application for 4 massive industrial wind turbines in the heart of the stunningly beautiful and wildlife rich Purbeck countryside.
Infinergy have produced a booklet which claims to provide answers to objections - this is our intital response:
Infinergy makes a number of accusations about information provided by DART. However in contrast to Infinergy who stand to profit from the wind turbines, DART - who do not - provide links to their sources of information on the website. One source is the Radio 4 programme ‘Costing the Earth’ (click to listen) which clearly contradicts Infinergy’s claims about the efficiency of land based wind power.
Read in full »
Background: Despite huge numbers of objections from local residents, organisations such as Natural England and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Infinergy and landowner Will Bond are determined to press ahead with an unpopular planning application for 4 massive industrial wind turbines in the heart of the stunningly beautiful and wildlife rich Purbeck countryside.
Infinergy have produced a booklet which claims to provide answers to objections - this is our intital response:
Infinergy makes a number of accusations about information provided by DART. However in contrast to Infinergy who stand to profit from the wind turbines, DART - who do not - provide links to their sources of information on the website. One source is the Radio 4 programme ‘Costing the Earth’ (click to listen) which clearly contradicts Infinergy’s claims about the efficiency of land based wind power.
Read in full »
Private Eye Uncover the Truth
added 12 ⁄ 08 ⁄ 08
The money fuelling the farce and who's getting it...
Down on the Farm
Among those celebrating when Gordon Brown recently announced his "100bn green energy" package, including plans to build 3,000 more wind turbines across Britain's countryside, were hundreds of farmers whose eyes lit up at the thought of sharing in the bonanza. Click here to read the article »
Among those celebrating when Gordon Brown recently announced his "100bn green energy" package, including plans to build 3,000 more wind turbines across Britain's countryside, were hundreds of farmers whose eyes lit up at the thought of sharing in the bonanza. Click here to read the article »
Dorset Life supports Dorset Landscape!
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Article on wind farm proposals in Dorset Life magazine...
A 3 page article in the June 2008 edition of Dorset Life magazine examines the Governments questionable renewable energy policy and the threat to our landscape (wildlife, tourism and peace of mind we might add) posed by the wind farm plans at East Stoke.
Click here to read the article »
Click here to read the article »
Say 'Hello Sunshine!' with Radio 4
added 19 ⁄ 06 ⁄ 08
People power and solar power - working together...
"Peter Day discovers the secret of German success. He travels to Leipzig in former East Germany where they are building the world’s biggest solar power station and visits Conergy’s state of the art manufacturing plant producing solar panels in Frankfurt-an-der-Oder."
Listen to the programme »
This item is significant in that Germany has a system of so called “feed in” tariffs. The highest rate is paid for solar energy produced by householders (not the power companies). Read in full »
Listen to the programme »
This item is significant in that Germany has a system of so called “feed in” tariffs. The highest rate is paid for solar energy produced by householders (not the power companies). Read in full »
Some sense from The Sun!
added 19 ⁄ 06 ⁄ 08
Sun features article: 'Wind turbine smashed... by wind'
'A GIANT wind turbine sparked major safety fears yesterday when it was smashed by . . . the WIND.
A huge propeller broke off the 190ft turbine close to a busy motorway link road. The 30ft blade cracked when the turbine was hit by strong gusts just two months after it began operating. Engineers were called in but could only let the propeller drop to the ground.' Read in full »
Read article on The Sun's website »
Read article on The Sun's website »
3 Down,.. 3 to go!!
added 16 ⁄ 06 ⁄ 08
Proposed turbines reduced again - Council not told!
Council officials were left in the dark as Infinergy/Alaska further reduced the number of proposed wind turbines at East Stoke, this time from 4 to 3.
The Daily Echo report of 31st May stated that the council had received a letter informing them of this decision. However, a member of the public who actually attended the planning meeting confirmed that no written correspondence whatsoever regarding the proposed alteration to the planning application had been received and that it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter until they were in receipt of this notification.
This is not the first time that the local press has misrepresented the facts:
Dorset Echo Thursday 28th June 2008:
"The 'Alaska' site at East Stoke, for which developers are still seeking planning permission, could generate a further 18 megawatts from three turbines."
3 x 2.3mw comes to 6.9 NOT 18!!!! Please go back to school Dorset Echo!
Dorset Echo Thursday 6th December 2007:
"I have been to see all the residents neighbouring the land and after answering their questions they think the idea is great."
The facts of the matter are that most of the properties visited by Mr Bond were those of which he was landlord (hence not owned by residents). None of the 30 or so houses in Middlefield Cottages (right next to the site) had been approached nor were any of the businesses in the area. The local scout camp at Buddens Farm has never been approached, despite the fact that they host over 10,000 visitors throughout each year who would be sleeping in tents, some of which would be less than 200 metres away from the nearest turbine. Read in full »
The Daily Echo report of 31st May stated that the council had received a letter informing them of this decision. However, a member of the public who actually attended the planning meeting confirmed that no written correspondence whatsoever regarding the proposed alteration to the planning application had been received and that it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter until they were in receipt of this notification.
This is not the first time that the local press has misrepresented the facts:
Other Howlers from the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo:
Dorset Echo Thursday 28th June 2008:
"The 'Alaska' site at East Stoke, for which developers are still seeking planning permission, could generate a further 18 megawatts from three turbines."
3 x 2.3mw comes to 6.9 NOT 18!!!! Please go back to school Dorset Echo!
Dorset Echo Thursday 6th December 2007:
"I have been to see all the residents neighbouring the land and after answering their questions they think the idea is great."
The facts of the matter are that most of the properties visited by Mr Bond were those of which he was landlord (hence not owned by residents). None of the 30 or so houses in Middlefield Cottages (right next to the site) had been approached nor were any of the businesses in the area. The local scout camp at Buddens Farm has never been approached, despite the fact that they host over 10,000 visitors throughout each year who would be sleeping in tents, some of which would be less than 200 metres away from the nearest turbine. Read in full »
Naturally, Common Sense!
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Natural England Raise Serious Concerns about Wind Farm
Natural England have sent a letter to Purbeck District Council voicing some serious concerns about the planned turbines at East Stoke. As they quite rightly point out, the proposed site lies in the immediate vicinity of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) and also lies extremely close to the boundary of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AoNB) - and, we should say, dominating the landscape for many miles within that area. Natural England say in the letter:
"...we believe that in it's current form, an appropriate assessment would have no alternative but to conclude that the proposed development would adversely affect the integrity of the Dorset Heathlands SPA [Special Protection Area]... Without significant ammendments to the proposal therefore, Natural England would have no alternative but to object to the application."
Please read the full letter here »
"...we believe that in it's current form, an appropriate assessment would have no alternative but to conclude that the proposed development would adversely affect the integrity of the Dorset Heathlands SPA [Special Protection Area]... Without significant ammendments to the proposal therefore, Natural England would have no alternative but to object to the application."
Please read the full letter here »
East Stoke developer's plans in disarray
added 13 ⁄ 05 ⁄ 08
Generating capacity of proposed Windfarm reduced again
Windfarm developer, Infinergy's plans to build an industrial generating plant at East Stoke were in disarray yesterday as it announced that it would be reducing the original number of planned wind turbines from 6 to 4. Under the revised plans one of the remaining turbines will be moved closer to Puddletown Road.
No further details have yet been given. The developer and landowner Will Bond will now be required to re-submit the revised plans to Purbeck District Council.
This change reduces once again the maximum claimed electrical generating capacity of the proposed Windfarm at East Stoke.
Originally Infinergy and Bond claimed 18Mw maximum generating capacity. This was later downgraded to 13.5Mw. With the latest reduction in the number of wind turbines, this figure drops yet again, to a maximum of 9.2Mw. The developer's justification for placing these huge industrial turbines in full view of an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is beginning to look more and more unconvincing. Of course, the financial benefits for the landowner and Infinergy as a result of payments from Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and tax breaks through the Climate Change Levy will remain, together with the threat to East Stoke village and the rest of Purbeck. Read in full »
No further details have yet been given. The developer and landowner Will Bond will now be required to re-submit the revised plans to Purbeck District Council.
This change reduces once again the maximum claimed electrical generating capacity of the proposed Windfarm at East Stoke.
Originally Infinergy and Bond claimed 18Mw maximum generating capacity. This was later downgraded to 13.5Mw. With the latest reduction in the number of wind turbines, this figure drops yet again, to a maximum of 9.2Mw. The developer's justification for placing these huge industrial turbines in full view of an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is beginning to look more and more unconvincing. Of course, the financial benefits for the landowner and Infinergy as a result of payments from Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and tax breaks through the Climate Change Levy will remain, together with the threat to East Stoke village and the rest of Purbeck. Read in full »
What a Bright Idea!
added 13 ⁄ 05 ⁄ 08
British Gas to send out 52 million energy saving light bulbs
The energy company says the initiative will be the largest of its kind ever seen in the UK and will slash carbon emissions by nine million tonnes. This is a guaranteed (not speculative) saving, 450 times more than Infinergy's most optimistic estimate of up to 20,000 tonnes. In other words, you would need to build 450 wind farms to achieve the same carbon saving! Of course, the cost would be massively higher, financially and environmentally (each turbine costs roughly £1000,000). Read in full »
Visit to Burton Wold Windfarm
added 13 ⁄ 05 ⁄ 08
From a Resident living close to proposed East Stoke site:
I have recently visited a windfarm at Burton Wold in Northamptonshire and could not believe how intrusive it was.
The turbines are about 2 thirds of the size of those proposed at Masters Pit, East Stoke but could be clearly seen from many miles away, in fact they completely dominated the whole area! I also noticed that the only building in the immediate vicinity of the turbines was the house owned by the farmer on whose land they were built.
As I entered the site and came to within half a mile of the turbines I was able to appreciate just how massive they were compared to something like electricity pylons for example.
Standing almost underneath one, the noise it made as it revolved reminded me of a cement mixer in full flow.
When I left the site, the thought of 6 of these machines, 410 feet high, dominating Wareham and the surrounding Purbeck countryside filled me with horror. Purbeck would be ruined for the foreseeable future.
The turbines are about 2 thirds of the size of those proposed at Masters Pit, East Stoke but could be clearly seen from many miles away, in fact they completely dominated the whole area! I also noticed that the only building in the immediate vicinity of the turbines was the house owned by the farmer on whose land they were built.
As I entered the site and came to within half a mile of the turbines I was able to appreciate just how massive they were compared to something like electricity pylons for example.
Standing almost underneath one, the noise it made as it revolved reminded me of a cement mixer in full flow.
When I left the site, the thought of 6 of these machines, 410 feet high, dominating Wareham and the surrounding Purbeck countryside filled me with horror. Purbeck would be ruined for the foreseeable future.
Send Your Objections Now!
added 18 ⁄ 04 ⁄ 08
Consultation continues...
Purbeck District Council are currently considering the plans to build 4 (formerly 6!) huge wind turbines at East Stoke. Now is the time to send your objections to this large industrial development in the heart of our community. Please read the information on this site, detailing the truth behind onshore wind 'farms' and send your objections as soon as possible to:
If you haven't the time to write a letter and post it, please use our ONLINE FORM to send your message to Purbeck District Council.
Despite the size and impact this planning application, the level of consultation and information supplied by Infinergy has so far been woefully inadequate.
Read in full »
The Planning Officer
Purbeck District Council
Westport House, Worgret Road
Wareham, Dorset
BH20 4PP
Purbeck District Council
Westport House, Worgret Road
Wareham, Dorset
BH20 4PP
If you haven't the time to write a letter and post it, please use our ONLINE FORM to send your message to Purbeck District Council.
Despite the size and impact this planning application, the level of consultation and information supplied by Infinergy has so far been woefully inadequate.
Read in full »
What the Environmentalists Say...
added 18 ⁄ 04 ⁄ 08
Greenpeace:
Introduction on the cover of their DVD 'The Convenient Solution'
"Becoming more efficient in the way we use energy is the most effective single step we can take to tackling climate change. Potential reductions in CO2 emissions through energy efficiency could be enormous. It should be our top priority... "
"Becoming more efficient in the way we use energy is the most effective single step we can take to tackling climate change. Potential reductions in CO2 emissions through energy efficiency could be enormous. It should be our top priority... "
Yes 2 Wind:
Guidance to campaigners on their website:
"Every wind farm proposal should be judged on its own merits. We encourage users to read the environmental impact assessment of the plan they wish to support before giving it their approval... Read in full »
"Every wind farm proposal should be judged on its own merits. We encourage users to read the environmental impact assessment of the plan they wish to support before giving it their approval... Read in full »
George Monbiot:
author many books including 'Heat', Guardian columnist and environmental campaigner makes the following observations about wind generated energy in the publication, New Left Review May /June 2007
"If either too much or too little (energy) is generated, the voltage and frequency fluctuations will crash the country's computers. If supply falls below a certain level, the whole system collapses. Not only must it be made when we want it, it must also be made in precisely the quantities we ask for. ...." Read in full »
"If either too much or too little (energy) is generated, the voltage and frequency fluctuations will crash the country's computers. If supply falls below a certain level, the whole system collapses. Not only must it be made when we want it, it must also be made in precisely the quantities we ask for. ...." Read in full »
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