Objections to Tesco's turbines (From Free Press Series)

Objections to Tesco's turbines

11:20am Monday 12th October 2009

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CONTROVERSIAL plans to build two wind turbines at a supermarket distribution site will be discussed this week.

The proposal by Tesco seeks to build 100m-high turbines at each of their distribution centres at the former Gwent Europark in Magor.

Tesco says the turbines will have the capacity to create up to 2.5 mega watts of power, which is expected to generate around half of the electricity used at the centres. But the plans have received much opposition from residents of the village of Llandevenny - just 1km away from the site.

In 31 objection letters to Newport Council, residents said the noise and a shadow flicker created by the turbines would affect their quality of life. They said the turbines would be too big, would be an “immense eyesore” and the blades would kill rare birds living in the area.

They are also concerned the turbines would lower the value of their homes.

Objections were also made by Gwent Wildlife Trust which is concerned about the effect on local wildlife, particularly bats, and Magor and Undy Community Council said the turbines would be visually intrusive and not financially viable.

The Civil Aviation Authority also confirmed that the development had the potential to impact on commercial and private planes flying over the area.

A report following a council assessment of the site determined there would be no adverse effect on wildlife in the area. It added that although the turbines would be clearly visible within the surrounding landscape, there would be no significant adverse effect.

The plans were recommended for approval and will be discussed at the council’s planning meeting on Thursday, October 15.

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