Presumably when someone dies after being hit by ice from the turbine blades Chief executive of Cornwall Light and Power Neil Harris will say “We are currently investigating why the turbine failed to stop automatically" one failure of the safety equipment is unlucky twice is careless.

#2.

I wonder why a polite query as to the advisability of giving planning permission for a large turbine so close to housing should be censored?

Perhaps because the post mentioned the usual industry standards for separation distances and the known risks from turbine blade failure.

"This [600 m radius buffer of all postal addresses] reflects the practice within the onshore wind industry of siting development an appropriate distance from residential properties (for noise/amenity and safety reasons). 600m has been chosen for this study. It is acknowledged that acoustic separation distances closer to 700m are now the norm for the very largest rated turbines (2-3MW turbines) and the study
recommendations (when developed) generally respond
to this sort of separation distance from residential areas."
(Ove Arup, 'Wind Farm Development and Landscape Capacity Studies', 2008 [a prize-winning, "cutting edge" study commissioned by the regional strategic planning authority in North East england]).

Whatever we do, we must not question the validity of the green argument, it will get deleted.

It's time they grew up and stopped swallowing rubbish.

Anybody for stroking a Polar Bear? Anybody building an Ark yet?

Why the hell was comment 2 deleted? There was nothing in the comment to warrant its deletion is merely stated facts. Whoever deleted it should have their access to comments removed.

Wind turbines may be placed anywhere. The danger to the public is clearly illustrated by accidents worldwide involving giant turbines catching fire, shedding blades or parts of blades and ice throw.

There is no regulating body to set, monitor and enforce health and safety standards for the wind industry.

The planning process for commercial wind turbine installations DOES NOT REQUIRE OR INCLUDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK WIND TURBINES POSE TO THE PUBLIC AND PROPERTY.

Those involved in processing the developer’s planning application include the local Planning Authority, Statutory Consultees and local Councillors on the Planning Committee.

Planning policy statement PPS22 "Planning for Renewable Energy A Companion Guide gives some guidance which seems liberal and not mandatory.

The British Wind Energy Association, the Trade Body which looks after the interests of wind energy developers is instrumental in the production of the guide.

PPS22 recognises the “danger to human or animal life” by loss of turbine blade or partial blade and fragments of ice but fails to quantify or mitigate against these dangers.

Local Planning Authorities are keen to avoid any penalties for failing to meet targets imposed on them.

The `Health and Safety Executive' believe that Risk Assessment should be within the remit of Local Planning Authorities but unfortunately it isn't.

Highways Agency only consider turbine distances from Motorways and Trunk roads

The Local Highways/Transport Authorities do not have policies with regards to wind turbines and rely on their own initiatives when responding to planning applications which affect their road networks.

The National Grid does not yet assess risks to public safety from turbine proximity to overhead cables.

#9.

John, thank you for your summary of the weaknesses in the English planning system with regard to wind turbines.

It is worth noting that there is no 'official' setback/separation distance for these massive industrial structures.

The only figure my MP has been able to discover is a 'suggested' 450m figure from the DTI in the 1990's when turbines were c. 30 to 60m high - i.e. a quarter to a half of current turbine heights.

There is also an advisory 'topple distance' separation from major roads.

There is now plenty of evidence on the danger from turbine ice- and blade-throw which should mean that planning authorities adopt sensible policies on separation distances from housing and roads.

The Whittlesey turbine demonstrates how far we have to go before local planning authories wake up as to their responsibilities re. the safety and amenity of their local residents.