All the goings on of South Marston, Wiltshire
October 14, 2011 2 Comments
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The Swindon Advertiser reported last night on the outcome of the Wind Turbine planning meeting:
THERE was a standing ovation at the Wyvern Theatre tonight as hundreds of members of public performed miracles to prevent the erection of wind turbines at the Honda plant in South Marston. Read more of this post
October 7, 2011 1 Comment
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Swindon Advertiser today ran an article regarding the upcoming planning meeting regarding Honda’s planning application for Wind Turbines on their site.
WIND turbine campaigners have slammed Honda’s formal offer to compromise over its plans – days ahead of a meeting to decide whether the controversial project can go ahead.
The car firm says it still wants to build three 120-metre turbines at its plant, in South Marston, but it is now offering Swindon Council the option to grant approval for only two turbines.
To support the alternative, Honda and green energy firm Ecotricity have submitted an additional environmental impact assessment document for just two turbines.
However, members of the Ill Wind campaign group say that removing the turbine – the one closest to Highworth Road – still means that two turbines will be too near to houses and could cause negative health effects.
A special meeting of the planning committee to determine the application will take place at the Wyvern Theatre on October 13 at 6pm, with doors opening at 5pm.
Des Fitzpatrick, 64, of South Marston, who is chairman of Ill Wind and will speak at the meeting, said: “They’re still applying for three, but even were they to apply for two, we wouldn’t be happy with that. What we’ve asked for is to see a minimum separation between turbines and houses of 2km and we’ve backed this up by saying this is a standard recommendation in Scotland and also on two bills in Parliament at the moment. So even with the two turbines option, they would be within 590 metres of residential housing so we wouldn’t be happy with that. “
“People typically think that the visual impact is the main concern, and of course that’s a concern: these turbines are half as big again as the David Murray John building. But also of great concern is the noise. There’s a lot of evidence that the closer you live to turbines, the more downsides there are. We have submitted evidence to the council that the turbines this close cause noise which will be detrimental to health and wellbeing.”
Andy West, 45, of Stratton, who is also a member of Ill Wind, said there was little difference in noise levels for many residents from the removal of the turbine – and claimed the only way to mitigate this would be to move the turbines further away.
He said: “It’s scant difference. The basic problem is no one should be living next to those turbines and people will be. You cannot play with people’s health like this.”
He added: “It’s critical that people go to the meeting to defend their homes and families.”
Colin McEwen, the former chairman of South Marston PC, said the two-turbine option would not really help South Marston.
He said: “It’s the turbine that’s closer to Stratton that may be removed so it doesn’t affect South Marston so much. The turbines closest to South Marston would remain even if that compromise was agreed. And those are just too big and too close to the village.”
The turbines project is part of a bid by HUM to reduce its carbon emissions by a minimum of 30 per cent by 2020 to meet both environmental and financial pressures.
Mike Godfrey, the divisional manager and chief engineer at Honda UK Manufacturing (HUM), told the Adver this week, : “Either by design or through technical mitigations we have put in, the issues of flicker and vibration will not be an issue for our local residents.
“And that’s been verified by third party consultants, Halcrow, and approved by Swindon Borough Council’s planning officers.”
To register to speak at the planning meeting, email Iain Tucker, the committee officer, at itucker@swindon.gov.uk or call 01793 463605 . The deadline to register is noon on October 12.
September 14, 2011 1 Comment
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Swindon Advertiser, yesterday ran an article on the latest state of the Honda Wind Turbine planning application:
CAMPAIGNERS against giant wind turbines have issued a rallying cry: ‘We’re not out of danger yet’.
The Ill Wind campaign group is delivering around 5,000 leaflets to houses in the South Marston and Stratton area, warning supporters that despite an apparent concession over the number of turbines, “the risk to you is greater than ever before”.
The group fears the original plans for three wind turbines at Honda, not two, are still likely, and it is urging no let-up in the fight.
Ecotricity, the company behind the plan, says it will settle for two if that is what the council wants.
But Des Fitzpatrick, chairman of Ill Wind, casts the campaign as a David- versus-Goliath style battle against corporate spin, and urged residents “not to be fooled”.
He said: “Following recent press headlines, radio and TV broadcasts many people in Swindon now believe Honda have reduced their application from three turbines down to two.
“This just isn’t the case and we are distributing thousands of leaflets explaining that the application is still for three turbines – and pointing out that, even were Honda to go for two turbines, there would still be thousands of homes within the two kilometre zone that many authorities regard as too close.
“Though we are individuals battling against the spin machine of a multi-billion pound international company, we will continue to keep the people of Swindon informed of what is really happening.”
Ecotricity would build and own the 120 metre turbines, and Honda would host them at its South Marston factory. The firms have not withdrawn the original planning application for three turbines, but because of the massive public outcry, they did agree to settle for just two if they have to.
This suggestion was tacked on to the existing application, which is due to be voted on by the council’s planning committee later this year.
No date is yet set for this meeting, but it is likely to be in mid-October.
In a joint statement, Ecotricity and Honda reacted to the Ill Wind campaign.
The statement said: “The decision on whether three, two or no turbines are approved sits with Swindon Borough Council, but Honda and Ecotricity have made it clear that if they chose to approve two turbines we would accept this and progress with a development of only two.
“If only two turbines were approved, the same planning committee which had refused the third turbine, would have to approve any amendment to build a third, and this would, therefore, be very unlikely.
“There is no intent, nor would be any opportunity, to build a third turbine on this site if we received permission for two.
“The latest Ill Wind leaflet also repeats a number of falsehoods and inaccuracies about issues including vibrations, sleep and safety that are at risk of confusing or even scaring local people.
“We’d encourage people to contact us directly if they have any specific concerns.”
September 6, 2011 2 Comments
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Despite reports in the press, Ecotricity are still applying to build three turbines. Swindon Borough Planning Dept have stated ‘…..the application remains for the full three’.
Two turbines is an option the Planning Committee could choose if they reject the application for three turbines. Ecotricity would later apply to the Council to build the third turbine. This would be an easier process than submitting a new application or appealing against a refusal of their application for three turbines.
It is more important than ever that as many local residents as possible attend the next planning committee Meeting to protect their homes and families from the effects of the turbines.
We do not yet know the date and venue of the Planning Meeting when the revised application will be heard, but look out for the next illwind leaflet within the next week or so when we will have more information for you.
Visit illwind.co.uk for the latest news
August 26, 2011 1 Comment
ThisisWiltshire.co.uk ran the following article following Honda’s alternative proposal for a two wind turbine installation at their South Marston site.
THE widely panned plan for three giant wind turbines at Honda’s car plant has been scaled down.
Honda and Ecotricity say they are now prepared to settle for just two turbines in response to public pressure – with the one closest to residents’ homes being removed.
But it comes only a fortnight before a council planning meeting was expected to take place, which would have decided whether to allow them to be built.
Now the meeting is likely to be moved to November to discuss the proposal.
Under the new proposal, the size and shape of the two remaining turbines remains the same.
The only difference is the one nearest Highworth Road being rubbed off the blueprints.
Campaigners are claiming it as a victory for public opinion.
Des Fitzpatrick, 64, of South Marston, chairman of lobby group Ill Wind, said: “The expression of massive public opinion in opposition to siting wind turbines so close to homes and schools has forced Honda to think again. It is great to see local democracy having an effect.
“It is clear now that Honda and Ecotricity realised their planning application would fail to meet acceptable standards on noise, flicker and visual impact and that the planning committee would reject it.
“As to the future, we will have to see the revised proposals but if this just amounts to moving the deck chairs on the titanic, we will continue to fight against building giant turbines in inappropriate places.”
And Gina Banks, 44, of Highworth Road, said: “It’s good news – that one was far too close to us. But I’ll be interested to see what happens. It’s positive that Honda seem to be listening to the reaction of people.
“We would still be able to see turbines two and three from our properties regardless. It’s less of an impact of course, but for the guys in South Marston, they’re still 600 metres away.”
Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Nythe), chairman of the planning committee, said: “It’s very unusual to come at the last minute like this. But it shows the company has been very responsible and receptive to change.”
The new proposal was put in jointly with Honda and Ecotricity, the company which will build and install the turbines.
An Ecotricity spokesman said the move does not represent a new planning application, but was only additional information which will be set before the planning committee.
In a joint statement, the companies said: “Taking into account the strength of local opinion at the two previous planning committee meetings, this offers a pragmatic workable solution that addresses the concerns of the local community, whilst enabling Honda to remain competitive in a global market and reduce its environmental impact.
“Honda and Ecotricity still firmly believe that all three turbines originally proposed are viable, and this is reflected in the fact that they have been previously recommended for approval by Swindon Borough Council.
“If this was not the situation, Honda would not have presented three turbines to Swindon Borough Council for consideration.”
Ecotricity has sent 700 letters to residents to explain the change.
August 26, 2011 Leave a comment
The following letter was sent on 23rd August 2011, by Honda and Ecotricity.
23rd August 2011
Dear Sir or Madam,
Reviewing all the information and comments we have received from Swindon Borough Council and the local communities, Honda and Ecotricity have put forward an alternative proposal for two wind turbines only. The wind turbine originally proposed towards the north side of the site, which was closest to residents, will not be included in the alternative option. We believe this alternative option for two turbines will still make a valuable contribution towards the ambitious business efficiency and environmental targets Honda has set itself, both globally as a company and locally as a site.
Taking into account the strength of local opinion at the two previous Planning Committee meetings, this offers a pragmatic workable solution that addresses the concerns of the local community, whilst enabling Honda to remain competitive in a global market and reduce its environmental impact.
Honda and Ecotricity still firmly believe that all three turbines originally proposed are viable, and this is reflected in the fact that they have been previously recommended for approval by Swindon Borough Council. If this was not the situation Honda would not have presented three turbines to Swindon Borough Council for consideration.
The plan on the reverse of this letter shows the alternative option and which turbine would not be progressed if the Council approved only two turbines on the Honda site. Swindon Borough Council will now consider this alternative option and we hope they will be able to make a decision on the application by early October 2011.
Honda and Ecotricity maintain an open communication approach with our local community. Further information can be found on Swindon Borough Council’s website and Ecotricity’s own website at www.ecotricity.co.uk/honda
August 18, 2011 2 Comments
Following the village consultation exercise in May, which generally endorsed the principles for development proposed by the Parish Council Expansion Working Group, there have been further meetings with Swindon Borough Council and an initial meeting with the developers.
The timetable for the South Marston supplementary planning document has been put back three months due to the number of responses received by Swindon Borough Council to the draft Core Strategy and we hope to consult further with the village by November.
We are discussing options, locations and costings with SBC’s Education Department for the school and with the Highways Department regarding the proposed development at Rowborough, access onto the A420, Pound Corner and minimising through-traffic.
The developers say that their vision for the expansion of the village is not far apart from ours and we are to have more detailed discussions with them.
We are also meeting again with the Environment Agency to address flooding issues.
The Working Party will consult with villagers on options for expansion before the village SPD is drawn up by SBC. The government’s localism agenda may support our influence, but its policy of promoting economic growth by building more houses supports the developers.
We will continue to keep everyone informed on future developments.
South Marston Parish Council
August 12, 2011 Leave a comment
Swindon Advertiser today ran an article about the latest development in the Honda Wind Turbine development story
THE Wyvern Theatre will host a very different kind of cabaret next month as members of the council’s planning committee take to the stage.
It has been selected as the venue for a one-off meeting to decide whether to accept plans for three giant wind turbines at the Honda site at South Marston.
The proposals have sparked a groundswell of public anger, with the last meeting being called off for safety reasons because of too many protesters trying to cram into the council chamber.
So the 635 capacity theatre, more accustomed to hosting plays and musicals, will be used instead – and it promises to be ‘quite a show’ said one campaigner.
Andy West, 44, who lives at Kingsdown Park, near the proposed turbines, is worried yet more space will be needed.
“The last meeting had to be deferred because they couldn’t fit them in, and with the Wyvern I think they’d be struggling to fit the people in,” he said.
“Take all the people at the last meeting, all the people who didn’t sign in, and then you’ve got council officers and committee members. You’re up to 600 before you start.”
Ill Wind, the group campaigning against the turbines, is still calling for people to turn up.
“As long as people can participate in what’s going on it is fine. What we don’t want is a situation where the council is trying to close the door on hundreds of people outside,” said Andy.
“It should be quite an interesting day, I would have thought. It’s going to be quite a show.”
Although the venue and date have not been formally rubber-stamped, planning committee chairman Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Nythe) said it was expected to be September 8.
Security will be present on the evening, and doors open at 5pm. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speakers will be able to hold the floor for up to three minutes, but with more than 30 registered speakers at the last meeting, it looks set to be a long night.
Marketing manager Gina Banks, 44, of Highworth Road, said: “I’m not surprised. I think it sends a very strong message to the council, so many people are concerned about this application. For me, this isn’t an argument against Honda, Ecotricity, or wind energy. The issue is the proximity to our houses of this application.”
The wind turbines will be the only item on the agenda.
It was 10 years ago that the council had to use the Wyvern as a meeting place. Then it was also for a planning meeting to discuss Wichelstowe.
The Wyvern did not have anything booked on September 8, so no performances had to be cancelled or moved.
August 2, 2011 Leave a comment
Swindon Advertiser yesterday ran an article about the responses received to the new Core Strategy:
A MASTERPLAN for the expansion of Swindon has sparked an unprecedented reaction.
The number of individual responses to the council’s Core Strategy has been counted by the council — and amounts to about 1,400.
The figure is a new record and the council has said it will amend the strategy to take account of residents’ feelings.
But is has also been issued with a stark warning — listen to the people or else.
Among those who responded to the consultation was Steph Exell, membership secretary of the Oakhurst Residents’ Association. The 49-year-old former councillor, of Southwold Close, gasped when told of the full scale of the responses.
She had submitted a 22-page critique of Core Strategy’s plans for 1,700 homes at nearby Tadpole Farm.
“The Core Strategy is still not set in stone,” she said. “It hasn’t been approved by the council or the planning inspector, and I’m hoping Tadpole Farm will disappear. It’s not a sustainable site, and I hope the planning inspector will see that.
“I think what this shows is democracy is alive and kicking. We’re ready to fight. Bring it on. We’ll fight tooth and nail. They’re going to have, all over Swindon, so many communities who are angry and feel let down by the Conservative administration.
“They are going to find themselves in a bit of trouble at the ballot box if they are not listening to the community. They should be afraid for their votes.”
The Core Strategy is a blueprint for where Swindon’s new homes and infrastructure will be built between now and 2026.
In the east of the town, residents have been objecting to the Core Strategy’s plans for hundreds of homes around South Marston. Stuart Young, 52, of Manor Meadows, is part of a village working party on the issue.
“We’re particularly concerned about the impact of any development on flooding. We had major floods in the last few years.”
In a statement, the council said: “We are currently analysing the comments that have been made.
“We have received about 1,400 comments on the Core Strategy and we will be making changes to the strategy based on those comments. We will then go out for a further consultation on those changes towards the end of the year and the revised Core Strategy will then be submitted for independent examination early next year.”
It then added: “It would be fair to say it is the most responses we have received for a consultation of this scale.”
June 13, 2011 1 Comment
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Swindon Advertiser today ran the latest article regarding Hand/Ecotricity’s planning application for three wind turbines on the Honda site.
The controversial plan to put three turbines at the Honda plant, in South Marston, will come before the council’s planning committee on July 12.
There has been a campaign against the proposals since they were unveiled last summer, and lobby group Ill Wind intends to fill the council chamber when it is debated.
The full article is available here.
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