STAR is a non-political group of local people opposed to plans by Volkswind, a German based company, to build a wind farm on land between Ringstead and Raunds.  We support the development of efficient sources of renewable energy.  This proposed wind farm will not be a reliable or efficient source of energy, but will scar our local countryside and threaten local wildlife.

 

If approved, the wind farm would particularly affect people living in Raunds, Ringstead, The Addingtons, Denford and Woodford.

 

Latest Proposal

In late 2009, Volkswind said they wanted to erect five turbines – each over 400 feet high and barely 600 metres from the nearest houses.  They have since been very secretive about their plans, despite promising to keep local people informed.

 

In response to repeated requests for information, they now say that they want to apply later this year, possibly Autumn 2011, for permission to erect two turbines on the site - but without any information as yet about the exact location.

 

Our Concerns

Experience has shown that we cannot trust Volkswind to be honest and open about their plans.  We await their final proposals, but our main concerns are:

 

1.    The turbines are huge - over 125 metres high, over 30 metres taller than the turbines at Burton Latimer and will dominate the village and surrounding area.

2.    The wind farm will be far too near to residential areas - only 600 metres from the nearest houses.

3.    Not enough research has been done to ensure the safety and well being of local residents and amenity users.

4.    There is little evidence that the proposed wind farm will have any real benefit in the fight against global warming.

5.    The pleasant rural aspect of our village and its surroundings will be lost forever. We will look out on to a bleak industrial skyline.

6.    Our cherished Kinewell Lake, Stanwick Lakes and nature reserve will lose their rural identity and attraction.

7.    There is a real threat to our wildlife from the turbines. Migrating birds live in the protected habitat of the SSSI site and bats are particularly vulnerable.

8.    House values will drop and houses may be difficult to sell. Many residents are reliant on their houses as financial investments for their future. They will be badly affected.

 

Watch This Space!

You will be able to find all the latest news on this web-site.  If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail here.
 

If you support our campaign please download and print one of our posters and display it in your window.

Our campaign is constantly incurring costs and we rely on donations from our supporters.  Any amount gratefully received.  You can donate by:

 

·         cheque made payable to STAR and sent to 3, Kingfisher Close, Ringstead, Kettering, Northants,  NN14 4TT;

·         electronic transfer direct to our bank account;
         Bank:  Nat West
         Account Number: 81205309
         Sort Code: 55-70-37

·         via our Paypal account – please note that Paypal will take a commission for this service.