About Us

The Stop Linton Wind Farm Action Group ( StopLWF) is a group of local residents, formed in June 2007, who oppose Enertrag’s plans to build a wind farm, consisting of 8 (125/130m high) wind turbines, on the ridge between Linton and Gt. Chesterford. Click here for map.

A Committee has been formed and the key officials are:
Chairman: Bill Thomas
Treasurer: Chris Piper
Media: Sue Harrison
Membership: Geraldine Thomas

Manifesto

The principles on which StopLWF will work are shown in the manifesto below, which was drawn up and agreed by the action group committee.

The Stop Linton Wind Farm Action Group:

1. Believes that global warming and the resulting climate change is a major threat to our society.
   
2. Supports Government policy which recognises that the generation of a greater proportion of our energy needs from renewable sources is one part of the policy to combat climate change, alongside energy saving initiatives. The group encourages the Government and individuals to place great emphasis on both reducing energy usage and increasing the efficiency of energy used. This is the best way to reduce emissions without any adverse impacts.
   
3. Recognises that wind energy is one of the main sources of renewable energy but believes that its commercial viability ( due to excessive subsidy through the Renewables Obligation system ) is leading to an over reliance on this means of renewable generation at the expense of other sources of renewable energy e.g. biomass, wave and tidal.
   
4. Believes that, in a densely populated island, offshore wind offers the most appropriate method of harnessing the wind resource because the efficiency of generation is much higher and the negative impact on the environment is much less.
   
5. Agrees with the Government that onshore wind farms should only be approved where the environmental, economic and social impacts can be addressed satisfactorily.
   
6. Argues that the proposed Linton Wind Farm does not address these issues satisfactorily and that it is an inappropriate location for a wind farm due to;
    
• low efficiency, Cambridgeshire is one of the least windy areas in the UK so by choosing this site the developer will need to install larger and more turbines than would have been necessary to achieve the same output in a windier area.
• proximity to residential areas, the site is much closer to residential areas than recommended by highly regarded independent experts. Residents will be impacted by noise and flicker.
• scale, the development will be visible over many miles and will dominate the countryside leading to the increased likelihood of further development.
• impact on health, residents risk endangering their health as an increasing body of evidence demonstrates that building such large turbines so close to residential areas has the potential to affect the health of residents.
• amenity value, the proposed site has an excellent network of footpaths and bridleways and is enjoyed by many walkers, riders and cyclists. It is one of the very few reasonably sized pieces of countryside close to Cambridge. Rural tranquillity will be severely compromised and the amenity value to local residents reduced.
• proximity to Linton Zoo, the site is only approximately 1km from Linton Zoo which has an international breeding programme, the impact on these animals is not known but it is recognised that animals are highly sensitive to noise.
• the A1307 is a regional black spot for road accidents, such large, moving structures are a potential distraction to drivers.
• wildlife, the construction of large industrial objects with moving blades will have an adverse effect on the plentiful wildlife in the surrounding countryside.
   
7. Asks for planning permission to be refused.

 

Why Do We Oppose Linton Wind Farm

There are many reasons why this scheme is inappropriate for the location proposed. Click here to find out more. Reasons for Refusal

What Will We Do

StopLWF will actively campaign to ensure this planning application is rejected by:

• Mobilising local support, by ensuring that all residents are aware of the issues impacting on them by holding public meetings and distributing leaflets in the local villages.
• Seeking the support of local businesses.
• Undertaking comprehensive research of all relevant issues.
• Producing an exhaustive, authoritative rebuttal of the planning application and appeal.

What Can You Do

• Join StopLWF - please click here for details. It costs nothing to join and all you need to do is fill in our form online, print and sign it and then send it to us.
  
• Take the time to read the information on this site.
  
• Talk to your friends and neighbours so that no one can say they didn’t know about the proposal. If possible get them to sign up to the Group as well.
  
• Visit The Energy Savings Trust (Click here) website and learn how we can all make day to day changes to save energy and cut CO₂ emissions.
  
• Make a donation to help fund our campaign