Planning Application PA13/00737

[Sally Levkouskis]

...........first of all, don't worry - it doesn't directly involve Rosehill and I am quite sure everyone is fed up of fighting battles!!!

I am bringing this to everyone's attention as this is for a 77m wind turbine not a million miles from us  (it's actually Tredinnick, St. Isssey) which has come on to the Cornwall Council website late January. Full details are on the LPA website, including exact location, constraints etc.  I am assuming that we are all in favour of renewable energy but may view wind turbines with differing opinions!

I have made an objection on the grounds of potential air safety hazard and cumulative visual impact in Cornwall.  (Air support emergency support units do not appear to have been consulted or acknowledged who fly over at low levels on a regular basis along with a number of other light aircraft, and there are currently over 500 wind turbine applications lodged with Cornwall Council). You can see what I have written on-line should you wish.

Whilst wind turbines are marked on aviation maps, accidents can and do happen and should be placed only in appropriate locations.  The most at risk are helicopters as they must keep clear of cloud and sight of the ground -  thinking of the air sea rescue helicopters that regularly fly over Rosehill.  The UK has lower level stratus cloud base frequency and Cornwall in particular is susceptible to poor visibility.  Warning lights are only at hub height (if recommended below 150m which undoubtedly this would have) and not visible in poor weather any way.  Cornwall Council has recently refused an application near Bodmin for aerial navigation reasons, and another also near Bodmin has been voluntarily withdrawn for the same reason.  There is no statement on this application of any consideration of aviation or air safety, despite several airfields in close proximity (St. Merryn amongst others) and no suggestion that emergency air support units have been consulted either.

We are talking low level flying here, and I would ask that you consider if there was an accident how far a helicopter may travel before hitting the ground and at what consequence.  To put the size of this wind turbine into perspective, the ones on the top of St. Breock Downs are 54m, which is some 23m  than the one proposed. This one is higher than most other turbines in Cornwall currently.

Before anyone dismisses my concern as ludicrous, I am Air Safety Co-ordinator for a 4 x 125m wind turbine proposal in my neck of the woods, and have been in close communication, and have the full support and assistance of the Civil Aviation Authority, General Aviation Awareness Council, Air Owners and Pilots Association and various other aviation professionals, so I am not totally losing the plot here!

This will not visually impact on Rosehill, but I do ask that you consider this and make an objection.  

Best wishes, Sally