USE THIS GUIDE TO HELP YOU FORM A STRONG OBJECTION LETTER. THERE ARE SAMPLE LETTERS TO AID YOU AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL (allystamper@aol.com) OR CALL (01228 561600) IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANYTHING.

You are allowed to speak at the Public Inquiry (at the Inpsectors Discretion), however, if you do not wish to speak, or wish to submit supporting evidence, then follow the instructions below. Personally I would recommend submitting a written objection anyway, whether you intend to speak or not!

EACH PERSON IN THE HOUSEHOLD CAN SEND A LETTER

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:

24th February 2012

You should object in writing to The Planning Inspectorate:

 
The Planning Inspectorate
3/20 Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN
   
 

You should be sure to quote Reference Number:  

It does not need to be at all complicated, just 1 or 2 points is absolutely fine - things that matter to YOU.

It is very important that you make your objection on planning grounds -

****Points that are not relevant to planning law****: Biomass and other alternative renewable energies; The people involved; The money involved; Any subsidies the developers would receive; The efficiency of wind power; Any personal issues

Instead, the subject(s) of your letter should ideally come under one of these headings in order to be “valid”Damage to Landscape Character and Visual ImpactDamage to the Local EconomyImpact on Nature ConservationCultural Heritage Living conditions nearby, including Noise and other pollution;The Cumulative impact with other similar developments

Damage to Landscape Character and Visual Impact

“Landscape character means the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occurs consistently in a particular type of landscape, and how these are perceived by people. It reflects particular combinations of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement. It creates the particular sense of place of different areas of the landscape”.

“Landscape capacity refers to the degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type. Capacity is likely to vary according to the type and nature of change being proposed”. 

Both the area around the proposed Newland’s wind farm development and the wider areas from which the turbines will be visible (notably Historic Carlisle, the Lake District National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, The Borders, The Solway Coast and many vantage points for miles around) will be affected. 

Damage to the Local Economy

Developing wind farms in important tourist areas could have a negative impact on tourism businesses in terms of decreased income due to fewer visitors. Cumbria’s tourism industry is worth over £1.1 billion to the local economy (see ‘Facts About Wind Power’). Claims that the wind farm construction will provide local jobs is unfounded as once the construction (by specialist teams) is complete the wind farms are remotely monitored and maintained by very few individuals (roughly 2 jobs for every 10 turbines). This is nothing in comparison with tourism.

Impact on Nature Conservation

According to the Cumbria Wind Energy Supplementary Planning Document “past wind energy developments both in the UK and Europe has shown the main adverse effects on nature conservation to be:
Direct habitat loss (eg. For feeding, roosting, breeding, etc.)
Habitat damage (eg. On site and off site due to hydrology impact)
Interference with geological processes (eg. Slope profile)
Interference with hydrological processes (eg. Increased run off, erosion)
Disturbance to, displacement of and collision with mobile species such as birds (eg. For migration, feeding, nesting)” In this area we have grey legged geese and whooper swans migrating to the Solway Firth, also breeding games birds (Partridge, Pheasants, etc.) Several species of birds of prey are prominent in this area, as well as a number of bats that roost and feed in the neighbouring dwellings.

Archaeological and Built heritage

The site of the proposed wind farm is only 3 miles from the Great Border City of Carlisle, one of only 2 cities in England able to trace it’s documented history over 2000 years, the other being London. There are also several listed buildings within a few hundred metres, and the World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall is in close proximity of the proposed site.

Living conditions nearby, including Noise and other pollution

Construction work would produce pollution from Noise, Dust, Exhaust and other emissions. During construction, traffic on, for example, the B6263 would increase. Much of the increased traffic being HGVs and plant machinery, passing close to busy junctions, causing disruption, pollution, and increased danger to the inhabitants and potential for accidents.

Following construction of the turbines, the noise generated would be considerable for at least 2km around the site. “Peace and quiet is the single most important factor people have in mind when buying a home – with one in five prospective homebuyers rating it as the most important consideration when choosing where they will buy.” Alliance and Leicester Survey, 3/6/02. (see video links for examples of noise). Turbines are also known for producing ‘flicker effect’. This is when the sunrise or sunset is behind the rotating blades (the location of these turbines means many of the houses around the village green will get this ‘flicker’ at sunset). This causes long shadows moving across the ground. Where this is onto houses the effects can be as if someone is switching the light on and off! (again see video links for examples)

The Cumulative impact with other similar developments

The Newland’s wind farm will be seen from numerous locations around the county. If this development goes ahead it will set a precedent for many others in the area. The effect on our landscape would be extremely detrimental. 

Here are several sample letters we have prepared. Feel free to use these or copy relevant sections when writing your own letters.

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE ADDRESSED TO THE CITY COUNCIL, SUBMISSIONS FOR THE PUBLIC INQUIRY MUST USE THE ADDRESS AND REFERENCE NUMBER FROM THE TOP OF THIS PAGE