Residents fear the winds of change (From Stroud News and Journal)

Residents fear the winds of change

CHANGES to Gloucestershire's planning guidelines have set alarm bells ringing in Nympsfield where residents fear a proliferation of wind turbines.

Anti-turbine campaigner Bernard Freeman said alterations to the county council's structure plan would give developers a carte blanche to put up turbines and they would soon cover hilltops throughout the Cotswolds.

"Nowhere will be safe," he said. "It's going to drive a coach and horses through the whole idea of the AONB. "It's diabolical."

Mr Freeman's fears stem from the Government targets to harness 11 to 15 per cent of our energy from renewable sources by 2010.

According to his figures Gloucestershire alone would require up to 100 turbines the size of the Ecotricity turbine in Nympsfield.

"You would be able to see them from all over our beautiful Gloucestershire," said Mr Freeman.

"We live in the most beautiful county in the country and they are going to ruin it with turbines."

Gloucestershire County Council said on Monday: "Recently the Government Office for the South West (GOSW) and the Regional Assembly (RA) commissioned research to identify targets for electricity generation from renewable sources."

"Wind power was found to be the most viable technology along with energy from crops and landfill gas.

"The Gloucestershire Structure Plan states that 'small scale developments should be permitted within areas such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts provided that there is no significant environmental detriment to the area concerned.'

"As with all forms of development each application for renewable energy proposals will be considered on its merits.

"The County Council is developing a county wide energy strategy dealing with a range of energy issues including renewable energy and energy efficiency amongst others."