January 2012 Update

During the past year CFAG has been active in assessing the plans of the wind farm development at Cotton Farm, Graveley. In recent weeks there have several developments that will affect all the villages around the site.

The wind farm development approval has been sold by npower to a German renewable energy company called RENERCO. This company, after a recent financial bailout, is currently heavily investing in UK wind farm sites. Its biggest investment is Cotton Farm and its investment exposure concerns us. We are further concerned that the proposed UK contractor to build the wind farm, Wind Prospect Group, based in Cumbria, seems not to be in a good financial position either. Their group accounts show a loss for the last two published years. We are also aware Wind Prospect has been involved in building the wind Farm in Deeping St. Nicholas in Lincs. The developers and owners of that wind farm were taken to court by the Davis family after severe noise problems forced them to abandon their home. This case was settled out of court in December 2011 in favour of the Davis family: the total value is not known but it does run into £millions.

We are recommending both councils urgently contact the new companies involved with Cotton Farm, including the land owner, and secure a de-commissioning bond to ensure the site, when no longer operational, is demolished properly and safely, including the removal of the concrete bases and site infrastructure. It is known wind farms elsewhere have been abandoned and companies owning them have gone bankrupt leaving the land scarred and derelict. The bond, we recommend, should not be less than £5 million and be held by the County Council.

The action group and Graveley Parish Council, mindful of the recent developments and new evidence nationally and internationally, are aware of increasing concern over noise issues. The installation of noise monitors in the village is being actively pursued by the parish council. These would be installed to ensure compliance of operating conditions. Any breach will be instantly, and independently, flagged up for immediate action by Council officers and/or by recourse to law. This data can also be used if individuals develop medical conditions that could be attributed to the wind turbines. Recent medical evidence indicates a growing problem. The action group will assist Graveley, and any other parish council or individuals’ that have concerns with the proximity of the turbines.

We are aware the wind farm will be built. We still consider the decision to build was wrong; the only action that can be taken now is to ensure the proper protection of the villagers in law. This will be done by ensuring compliance to the planning conditions set out and, by the use of laws that protect against ‘nuisance’.

The action group is working with Graveley PC in the purchase and installation of monitoring equipment. We hope the other parishes will join Graveley in protecting their residents. Jointly we are in discussions with professional acousticians to ensure the data collected is in total compliance and acceptance in law. All parties are hoping both Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire district councils will involve themselves in the monitoring programme. The data provided will be available worldwide and be the first anywhere to provide continuous and accurate noise information from a windfarm site in real time. In all cases where noise conditions are exceeded, the evidence can be used to prove an unlawful breach of conditions. This will also allow the councils’ EHO’s, and others, to take legal action against the operators and, with repeated recorded breaches; it can be taken through the court processes to unlimited fines and possible closure.

We will post further information on our web site www.stopthewindfarm.org.uk

Bev Gray, Chairman of the Cotton Farm Action Group on 01480 830868.

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