PROXIMITY OF ONE TURBINE TO RAIL LINE ‘PUSHED UNDER CARPET’, CLAIM

Exclusive by Alan Quick

REPRESENTATIVES from Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (RES), which is building the Den Brook Wind Farm between Spreyton, Bow and North Tawton, faced tough questions – and criticism - at a meeting of the Den Brook Wind Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG), held at Spreyton Village Hall.

In addition, there were also tough questions posed by the 25-plus audience and local councillors for West Devon Borough Council Environmental Health Officer David Sexton.

Nick Collis, RES project analyst and Richard Wagstaff, construction manager, gave details of how the scheme to build the wind farm was progressing, to date, before the questions began.

The minutes of the last meeting of the CLG held on October 10, 2013, were approved after some amendments.

The group comprises two parish councillors from the parishes of Zeal Monachorum, North Tawton, South Tawton, Bow and Spreyton, plus district councillors from Mid Devon and West Devon Borough and the Devon County Council Division Councillor.

Meeting chairman, Councillor Mike Bostock (Zeal Monachorum) welcomed everyone. The election of chairman of the group then took place and he was re-elected to the role.

There was discussion about the group’s terms of reference and strong disappointment at the lack of any attendance by District Councillors from Mid Devon District Council was noted.

Changes were made to the terms of reference, largely about the length of period the group would operate and local community definition.

There was discussion about the Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS), and the benefits, expected to be at least £100 per year per household off the electricity bills of local residents.

Who would benefit from a shared supply was left for a more detailed response. Tax benefits were questioned with regard to LEDS and when it is payable.

Conditions, such as commenting on possible noise issues if these payments were accepted, would not exist RES confirmed.

COUNCIL NOT TOLD OF CABLE

Mr Wagstaff told the meeting that construction was proceeding well on site.

He said consent for the scheme was granted in 2009 and construction began in July 2015.

He explained that there was 6.5 km of site road and there would be 33kv grid connection running from the site to connect behind the North Tawton Cheese Factory.

North Tawton Town Council representatives said no approach about this cable had been made to the town council.

He said five turbine foundations had been completed and that the sixth site would be poured (with concrete) the day after the meeting.

He said 95 per cent of the site roads had been constructed and off site highway works had been completed.

He said the nine 75 metre hub height 2 MW V90 Vesta turbines would produce 18 MW when installed.

The blade lengths was not mentioned.

He explained that the ground works should be completed in April and the turbines to be delivered by ship to Teignmouth and then transported by road in July.

Each one has three tower sections, three blades, a nacelle and hub.

Completion he explained would be in November 2016.

ONE TURBINE TOO CLOSE TO RAIL LINE

Tony Hill, from the Exeter/Okehampton Rail Consortium, raised the long-standing issue which has been raised many times before.

He said: “In the last 11 years there has been many instances of turbines falling over and blades falling off.

“The Department of Transport says turbines should be sited their height and 50 metres from roads and railways.”

He said RES had “pushed under the carpet” the issue that one turbine, if it fell over, could fall directly onto the Exeter/Okehampton rail line.

Mr Hill added that this line could see increased use if the “Dawlish effect” resulted in future further increase of traffic on the line.

He then called on RES to move construction of the turbine in question away from the rail line.

Mr Wagstaff said safety was the most important thing and that a report stated that the turbine proximity had concluded that it was safe at the intended distance.

Mr Hill insisted: “I am far from convinced that you are not violating regulations.

“Most people think this needs to be looked at and your company has the power to alter it.”

One member of the audience said it would be easier to move the turbine before it was built than move the railway line afterwards.

Another member of the audience said that despite the safety report, it was “foolhardy” if it was constructed within 90 metres.

WHIDDON DOWN JUNCTION ISSUES

There was strong criticism for RES about its recently installed new road junction at Whiddon Down which was built to ease the delivery of the turbines.

There has been anger and confusion about signs at the new junction which has resulted in a spate of accidents.

Temporary barriers and traffic cones have now been put up to mark out part of the new road layout.

One member of the public highlighted how unsafe it was for residents of Hole Farm to walk up the road since the scheme had been completed.

He called for land to be purchased and a footpath to be created.

Mr Wagstaff said that new signage was being prepared and a meeting had been held with Devon County Council and Drewsteignton Parish Council as well as local residents and businesses to discuss the issues.

“We have taken this on board”, he outlined.

“We have chevron signs there and cones at the moment and will be adding white lining in due process.”

Lighting was also suggested, speed restrictions were questioned and changes to an “imbalance of the camber” also suggested.

Mr Wagstaff was questioned about who the future owners of the Wind Farm would be and said he was unable to say at this stage.

TURBINE NOISE ISSUES

There were long and frank discussions about potential noise issues from the turbines when constructed.

Dave Sexton said he believed the conditions imposed upon RES were “technically robust” and that WDBC was happy to approve them.

Discussions included both tonal noise and AM noise and complaint procedures should there be noise issues.

Complaints and compliance were discussed in detail and there were questions over whether sound would be “filtered” as recorded.

Details about the Wind Farm can be found on the website: www.den-brook.co.uk .

• See statement in Letters concerning noise issues raised at the meeting.

The entrance to the Den Brook wind farm site off the A3072 between Bow and North Tawton. AQ 8767