Wind turbine plans to go on public display (From Western Telegraph)

Wind turbine plans to go on public display

THE most important issues for local residents and planners over the Total wind turbine development will be visual, noise and environmental impacts.

The company says that a full environmental impact assessment is being conducted and research so far indicates that:

* The machines will not create unacceptable noise.

* The site has been carefully selected to minimise visual impact.

* There is no risk to bird life, and no rare plants or animals will be affected.

Each machine will be sited away from dwellings to avoid any noise interference and a safe distance from the refinery and operations, says Total.

"Traffic during the construction phase will be carefully timed and routed to minimise the impact on local residents," said a spokesman.

People can see the plans for themselves at public exhibitions. One takes place at Herbrandston today (Wednesday) from 2pm to 8pm in the church hall, and the other on Friday at the Imperial Function Centre, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, from noon.

The exhibition can also be seen at the County Show, August 16th - 18th.

Wind turbine project staff will be on hand to meet local residents at each of the venues and an information brochure has been produced.

The sight of wind turbines near Milford Haven is not new.

Last year, farmer Keith Knight erected a 300kw turbine at Castle Pill Farm, Milford Haven. He is already planning a second.

Mr Knight has teamed up with the town's Mount Community Centre to investigate ways of selling the energy to people living on the Mount Estate.

And there are many other individual wind turbines in operationaround the county.

However, a plan for a large windfarm at Jordanston in north Pembrokeshire failed after strong opposition.

So, too, did a bid to erect Wales' tallest wind turbines at Wogaston Farm, Angle.

Another failed proposal was for three turbines, near Whitesands, St Davids, to provide power for an eco accommodation complex.