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MoD concerns stall Honda wind turbines plan

AN objection from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has led to the decision over the proposal to build three wind turbines at the Honda plant being delayed.

The MoD has written to Swindon Council to stall the progress of the application, submitted by Honda and sustainable energy firm Ecotricity, so it can be determined whether the turbines will interfere with its radar devices.

The controversial plan to erect three turbines, 120m high at their peak, is now not set to be heard by the council’s planning committee before December at the earliest.

It was originally scheduled to be discussed this month.

A MoD spokesman said: “Wind turbines can affect a number of MoD activities and operations, including air traffic control and threat radars.

“The MoD must do what is necessary to ensure that national security, the safety of aircraft, and, indeed, the safety of aircrew and of people on the ground, are protected through proper safeguarding of those radars.

“All wind farm applications are assessed on a site by site basis.

“The MoD is committed to Government targets for renewable energy and whenever possible we seek to work with wind farm developers to find a mutually acceptable solution.

“The effects of wind turbines on radar are complex and the MoD is working in a number of areas to address the effects of turbines on radar.”

Mike Cheshire, public relations manager for Ecotricity, said the company was aware of the issue and it was not uncommon.

“The latest we know is that the MoD is working with BAE systems to look into the issue,” he said.

“When they put in an objection it’s often a holding objection rather than them objecting in principle. They are waiting for a technical document to see what is possible. It’s not uncommon for things like this.

“The planning process moves quite slowly and deliberately but that’s so that they can make sure they have got all the evidence in front of them before making a decision.”

On Saturday the Adver reported how campaign group Ill Wind held a demonstration to show to local residents in both Stratton and South Marston how high and close in proximity to housing the turbines will be.

Neil Burchell, group chairman, said: “We’ve had a steady stream of people from around the village and many are still so shocked at how high it will be.”

In August, Stratton St Margaret Parish Council’s planning committee decided to support the plan.

It said: “There will be a small visual impact on parts of the parish.

“However, the council feels due consideration has been given to this issue and adequate steps to mitigate the visual impact have been taken.

“It is the view of the council that it is unlikely that the turbines will create more noise pollution than the A419, which acts as a barrier between the development site and the majority of residential dwellings within the parish that are directly affected.”

Comments(38)

Robfm says...
8:09am Mon 18 Oct 10

Interesting that they come in so late in the day.

Robfm says...
8:13am Mon 18 Oct 10

What is even more interesting is that in May they dropped their objections to 1000 turbines off the East Coast. http://www.guardian.
co.uk/environment/20
10/may/03/offshore-w
indfarms-air-defence

politicrat says...
8:13am Mon 18 Oct 10

shame that the MOD isn't so concerned about the level of noise it generates around Swindon especially during night time, and for what Benefit to the Town?
What is more important:
Keeping the MOD brass happy or the biggest employer in Swindon?
you decide!

Robfm says...
8:15am Mon 18 Oct 10

What noise would that be politicrat.

politicrat says...
8:34am Mon 18 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
What noise would that be politicrat.
low level flying for a start over concentrated urban area.....hopefully the 8% defense budget cut should reduce the problem

Robfm says...
8:50am Mon 18 Oct 10

So low fly 3 times. That aside we are on the flight path to both Lyneham and to Fairford as well as 29 Regiment.

The latest I personally have ever heard a plane is 10 ish. Hardly an issue.

It does amuse me when people complain about noise from planes and helicopters but happily go on holiday in planes setting off from residential areas sometimes in the middle of the night.

Old Town says...
9:25am Mon 18 Oct 10

I see that being away for a couple of weeks hasn't stopped old Politiprat writing nonsense !
.
I had this hope that he might have gone away in that time but no - here he is !!
.
Of course as ever you are talking nonsense Politiprat - there is VERY little noise generated by the MOD at night - and to be fair hardly any during the day either !
.
When the odd plane comes into Lynham, I have a look up and wonder how many of our brave troops are returning from foreign shores in the Hercules, and it makes me feel proud....

Robfm says...
9:31am Mon 18 Oct 10

OT I'll second you final comments, I do the same.

Al Smith says...
9:43am Mon 18 Oct 10

Politicrat - the noise coming from aircraft going to/from Lyneham isn't a problem. Unlike the horrid small planes / microlights (whatever they are) that infest the skys nearly every weekend and sound like a swarm of mosquitoes/wasps.

politicrat says...
9:57am Mon 18 Oct 10

Old Town wrote:
I see that being away for a couple of weeks hasn't stopped old Politiprat writing nonsense ! . I had this hope that he might have gone away in that time but no - here he is !! . Of course as ever you are talking nonsense Politiprat - there is VERY little noise generated by the MOD at night - and to be fair hardly any during the day either ! . When the odd plane comes into Lynham, I have a look up and wonder how many of our brave troops are returning from foreign shores in the Hercules, and it makes me feel proud....
Compare the noise of Windturbines with the noise of landing aircrafts, go figure!
you people are a strange bunch......and the strangest thing is that you do not even realize your own stupidity but how could you with such a poor judgement.
Even if you consider the impact on the Environement this should be an easy decision, a clear yes to Windturbines
what is wrong with you people?

politicrat says...
10:01am Mon 18 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
OT I'll second you final comments, I do the same.
I mainly see my taxes wasted in a silly war, wasting the lives of ISAF soldiers, Aid workers and Afghans and Pakistanis civilians.
There is nothing to be proud of in any wars!

Robfm says...
10:05am Mon 18 Oct 10

Nothing at all to be proud of in wars, nothing also to be proud of in supporting the continued suppression of women and children, and the indiscriminate murder of those from other sects or tribes.

the one from sevenhampton says...
10:10am Mon 18 Oct 10

Please may i just say Bob and politiprat for the last time this IS not a place to AIR YOUR VIEWS OF EACH OTHER GO GET A ROOM OR DO SOMTHING FOR CHAIRTY BUT KNOCK IT OFF
RIGHT BACK TO THE REAL STORY HAS NOE ONE noticed that the wind farm on the old airfield at watchfield is much closer than THE HONDA SITE WOULD BE. so is the MOD not telling us somthing like they have radar a lot closer to Honda than there own site ???? and as for Those that live in the middle of no where BOB. my mate lives right under the flight path of Lynham And Brize and yes the hercs do make a hell of a racket THE MOD CAN be held account for noise
SO Flob-A-Bob and the one who is known as politiprat when are we going to see you do something useful in life and challange each other to a well some one give them some ideas
All THE BEST David tiddle winks at dawn

politicrat says...
10:24am Mon 18 Oct 10

the one from sevenhampton wrote:
Please may i just say Bob and politiprat for the last time this IS not a place to AIR YOUR VIEWS OF EACH OTHER GO GET A ROOM OR DO SOMTHING FOR CHAIRTY BUT KNOCK IT OFF RIGHT BACK TO THE REAL STORY HAS NOE ONE noticed that the wind farm on the old airfield at watchfield is much closer than THE HONDA SITE WOULD BE. so is the MOD not telling us somthing like they have radar a lot closer to Honda than there own site ???? and as for Those that live in the middle of no where BOB. my mate lives right under the flight path of Lynham And Brize and yes the hercs do make a hell of a racket THE MOD CAN be held account for noise SO Flob-A-Bob and the one who is known as politiprat when are we going to see you do something useful in life and challange each other to a well some one give them some ideas All THE BEST David tiddle winks at dawn
At least someone has noticed the noise of landing aircrafts......

Old Town says...
10:35am Mon 18 Oct 10

I never said they make no noise - I said they make little noise as there are not many planes coming into Lynham every day - and I live near the flight path.
.
This is a non-story from Politiprat about Airplane noise....
.
Cannot see much problem myself with the Wind Turbines, but then I know little about them. I don't particularly like the way they look, and from the limited things I have read they have not really proved how effective / ineffective they are over the long term....
.
However it seems obvious that the MOD have something to hide if they are objecting at this late stage.....

Robfm says...
10:58am Mon 18 Oct 10

As I posted earlier they with objections to a 1000 in May after holding things up for two years, perhaps someone in the MOD lives locally, just a thought.!!!

politicrat says...
10:58am Mon 18 Oct 10

Old Town wrote:
I never said they make no noise - I said they make little noise as there are not many planes coming into Lynham every day - and I live near the flight path. . This is a non-story from Politiprat about Airplane noise.... . Cannot see much problem myself with the Wind Turbines, but then I know little about them. I don't particularly like the way they look, and from the limited things I have read they have not really proved how effective / ineffective they are over the long term.... . However it seems obvious that the MOD have something to hide if they are objecting at this late stage.....
The MOD do not rule the country, we do!
In the end, it is a little rich for the noise polluter, tax hungry and people killer MOD to object to an environemental project on a private piece of land of the biggest taxpayer and empoyer in Town.
I still do not comprehend the many objections to this simple investment, when we steamrolled into giving £500K of swindonians money into the Digital UK Wifi.
Are the Windturbines not a good enough PR coup for Mr Bluh?

Robfm says...
11:40am Mon 18 Oct 10

politicrat take it from me there are not many objectors just a few vocal ones, and those who choose to believe the leaflets sent out in reality there were about 100 people at the meetings from 4 or 5 Parishes.

I have weekly conversions about these turbines, both in my pub and elsewhere and I have met few fellow residents who actually care one way or the other.

gonefishin says...
11:44am Mon 18 Oct 10

"Are the Windturbines not a good enough PR coup for Mr Bluh?"
.
WTF have they got to do with Bluh? These turbines are a private cash cow for Honda and Ecotricity, private money-making schemes ultimately paid for by the tax-payer and increased electricity bills for everyone else in the country. They are of absolutely no benefit to the local community at all. Where's the "PR coup" in that?
.
Here's some PR you might like to read Politicrat:
.
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/comment/colum
nists/christopherboo
ker/8025148/The-Than
et-wind-farm-will-mi
lk-us-of-billions.ht
ml

politicrat says...
11:56am Mon 18 Oct 10

gonefishin wrote:
"Are the Windturbines not a good enough PR coup for Mr Bluh?" . WTF have they got to do with Bluh? These turbines are a private cash cow for Honda and Ecotricity, private money-making schemes ultimately paid for by the tax-payer and increased electricity bills for everyone else in the country. They are of absolutely no benefit to the local community at all. Where's the "PR coup" in that? . Here's some PR you might like to read Politicrat: . http://www.telegraph .co.uk/comment/colum nists/christopherboo ker/8025148/The-Than et-wind-farm-will-mi lk-us-of-billions.ht ml
Refusing Honda the right to erect Windturbines on private land and cry money making schemes scandal when advertisings from Homesun free-feed in tariffs solar panels for private dwellings.
Base line is that we allways pay on way or another!
currently we pay extortionate rates for importing gas from Russia and oil from the middle East.
I would rather pay a little more on my bills for this country to become more energy independant than filling the pockets of a few Russian and Arab oligarchs.
Up to you!

Robfm says...
12:19pm Mon 18 Oct 10

If we hadn't handed over the North Sea gas reserves to the EU, we would not now be buying gas at a greater cost than we need to.

politicrat says...
1:02pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
If we hadn't handed over the North Sea gas reserves to the EU, we would not now be buying gas at a greater cost than we need to.
living the dream again :-)
what would be the result of the UK 60millions bargaining with Russia for Oil and gas?
Now try to imagaine the leverage of the EU (400millions+ people) negociating trade contracts
if we weren't in the EU, the UK would be an American or Russian province today.
Our weight at a country is small

Hangbrownhigh says...
3:41pm Mon 18 Oct 10

I thought I was missing something, Politiprat is back. It used to be interesting reading the comments in the letters page but people like politiprat become such boring, self indulgent mouthpieces that nothing stays on message in this paper. Politiprat, as I have said before, for all our sakes go into a darkened room and have a lie down and suck your thumb, there's a good person.

Donkey of Langton says...
3:57pm Mon 18 Oct 10

This ConDem lot have scrapped the proposed tidal energy scheme in The Severn Estuary ... maybe we'll see many more inland turbines in the near future. The CO2 collection and storage from coal-fired power stations is also reported as too expensive, so where do we go now in the search for greener energy?

Oik1 says...
4:56pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Bigger and better Nuclear Power stations are the way forward, if power is wanted in spades then stop messing about with a windmill here and a willow farm there.

Good to hear the Severn Estuary project has been ditched, that was a failure waiting to happen and without a doubt would of cost the taxpayers millions or possibly billions.

Al Smith says...
5:11pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Oik1 wrote:
Bigger and better Nuclear Power stations are the way forward, if power is wanted in spades then stop messing about with a windmill here and a willow farm there.

Good to hear the Severn Estuary project has been ditched, that was a failure waiting to happen and without a doubt would of cost the taxpayers millions or possibly billions.
Upto a point, unlike coal, gas and oil we depend totally on foreign mined uranium. Thankfully the two biggest producers/exporters of uranium are Australia and Canda.

SourBBB says...
7:09pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
politicrat take it from me there are not many objectors just a few vocal ones, and those who choose to believe the leaflets sent out in reality there were about 100 people at the meetings from 4 or 5 Parishes. I have weekly conversions about these turbines, both in my pub and elsewhere and I have met few fellow residents who actually care one way or the other.
As usual there is a motive where robbo is concerned. "Few residents care one way or another". Well you would say that given that you want to erect one in your beer garden.
.
Robbo is simply never to be trusted.

SourBBB says...
7:09pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
politicrat take it from me there are not many objectors just a few vocal ones, and those who choose to believe the leaflets sent out in reality there were about 100 people at the meetings from 4 or 5 Parishes. I have weekly conversions about these turbines, both in my pub and elsewhere and I have met few fellow residents who actually care one way or the other.
As usual there is a motive where robbo is concerned. "Few residents care one way or another". Well you would say that given that you want to erect one in your beer garden.
.
Robbo is simply never to be trusted.

I Too says...
7:24pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Oik1 wrote:
Bigger and better Nuclear Power stations are the way forward, if power is wanted in spades then stop messing about with a windmill here and a willow farm there. Good to hear the Severn Estuary project has been ditched, that was a failure waiting to happen and without a doubt would of cost the taxpayers millions or possibly billions.
And then there's the small "economic" matter of manning a non productive nuclear power station, for 100 years, whilst it is closed down.
i can't imagine the people of Douneray, Sizewell "A", or Windscale (Sellafield) would share you admiration of nuclear power.
It's the worst kind of "half a plan"

Robfm says...
7:48pm Mon 18 Oct 10

I guess it's true then Briz is on the Adver staff as well as working for BBC Radio Bristol.. Actually as far as the turbines are concerned I plead guilty. I would love one, to make my electricity cheaper and in the process contribute to the national grid, to help everyone else.

the one from sevenhampton says...
8:32pm Mon 18 Oct 10

so Bob if that is the case why have you objected to Mr Rupert Burr putting a biomass power plant on his land he could sell cheap electric to the grid and you could buy that back at a cheaper rate and as for the wind farm at watchfield adam had the backing of the national Trust for that one and if we can get honda to take less electric will the power company put the standard rate up??? BOB that needs looking into. and will you be against the building of new homes over the road from you this will give your pub a much needed boast.

SourBBB says...
8:44pm Mon 18 Oct 10

the one from sevenhampton wrote:
so Bob if that is the case why have you objected to Mr Rupert Burr putting a biomass power plant on his land he could sell cheap electric to the grid and you could buy that back at a cheaper rate and as for the wind farm at watchfield adam had the backing of the national Trust for that one and if we can get honda to take less electric will the power company put the standard rate up??? BOB that needs looking into. and will you be against the building of new homes over the road from you this will give your pub a much needed boast.
Righteousness when it suits ones business dear boy!

politicrat says...
9:07am Tue 19 Oct 10

I Too wrote:
Oik1 wrote: Bigger and better Nuclear Power stations are the way forward, if power is wanted in spades then stop messing about with a windmill here and a willow farm there. Good to hear the Severn Estuary project has been ditched, that was a failure waiting to happen and without a doubt would of cost the taxpayers millions or possibly billions.
And then there's the small "economic" matter of manning a non productive nuclear power station, for 100 years, whilst it is closed down. i can't imagine the people of Douneray, Sizewell "A", or Windscale (Sellafield) would share you admiration of nuclear power. It's the worst kind of "half a plan"
How does Germany cope with its power demand considering its huge Industrial output?

Robfm says...
10:16am Tue 19 Oct 10

I objected to the Biomass plant for two reasons.

1. The intended entry point with 40 or so 8 wheelers a day would have undermined the structural integrity of the pub.

2. The original idea was to grow the crops locally, but no one wanted to know.

Of course now that Rupert has lost the million pound subsidy we don't hear a lot about the project.

As for housing anyone who wants to be that close to the railway has got to be nuts, the noise levels since Network Rail decided to strip out all the trees and hedge rows has grown at least 3 fold, so the chances are that will be the last land built on if at all.

SourBBB says...
2:06pm Tue 19 Oct 10

Robfm wrote:
I guess it's true then Briz is on the Adver staff as well as working for BBC Radio Bristol.. Actually as far as the turbines are concerned I plead guilty. I would love one, to make my electricity cheaper and in the process contribute to the national grid, to help everyone else.
Who is Briz?

I Too says...
2:07pm Tue 19 Oct 10

Politiprat, "How does Germany cope with its power demand considering its huge Industrial output?
"
What is your point?

I Too says...
2:11pm Tue 19 Oct 10

SourBBB wrote:
Robfm wrote: I guess it's true then Briz is on the Adver staff as well as working for BBC Radio Bristol.. Actually as far as the turbines are concerned I plead guilty. I would love one, to make my electricity cheaper and in the process contribute to the national grid, to help everyone else.
Who is Briz?
You are.
You're also as boring and tedious as each other.
You should both try having a few days off the internet, or at least limit your postings to one hour in the day.
I'm sure most people would be delighted

SourBBB says...
4:11pm Tue 19 Oct 10

I Too wrote:
SourBBB wrote:
Robfm wrote: I guess it's true then Briz is on the Adver staff as well as working for BBC Radio Bristol.. Actually as far as the turbines are concerned I plead guilty. I would love one, to make my electricity cheaper and in the process contribute to the national grid, to help everyone else.
Who is Briz?
You are. You're also as boring and tedious as each other. You should both try having a few days off the internet, or at least limit your postings to one hour in the day. I'm sure most people would be delighted
Really how rude. If you don't like my comments don't read them. Who is briz?

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