Blog Blog - WindBag
Posted: Thursday, 08 April 2004 |
Comments
I am sick of hearing people tell farmers what they can or can’t do. Farmers should be able to have as many turbines as they want on their land because the government is telling us to do it. They pay us to rear sheep so we rear sheep. I will rear as many wind farms as you want if the money is there. Ask me what they look like and I will tell you they look attractive, the more there are the more attractive they look. Clearly most of you farmers on Mull are up for this and most of the land had nothing much on it anyway. The planners have marked out the first area for wind farms on Mull. Objectors can't do much if it’s in the plan anyway and once the things are built they seem to shut up or move. There is money for ground rentals, roads etc and no risk to the farmer so what's the problem with taking the money? I don't see why farmers have to give a toss for all the tourist b&b stuff and using my land as an amenity for free, farmers have their own businesses to get on with.
Donald from on my farm
People pay a fortune to make things look attractive, cars, houses, cloths, gardens etc. Views have a value and you can work out if you can be bothered. It would be foolish to ignore how much money Mull makes from views. You may agree with me that wind turbines are unlikely to improve the landscape around Loch Frisa and you will not be able drive around the North of Mull without seeing them. Visually there is no difference between SgurrEnergy’s Antuim Community Wind Farm project and the London-based Wind Energy proposal.
Do you know about WIND ENEGY LTD’s plans for Mull? We all have seen those TV makeover shows with some hairy dandy comes and turns your living room into a confection of nausea, well Mark Shorrock also plans to do a makeover on the landscape of Mull. This part time film director has a company called Wind Energy Ltd which is coming to show us non land owners his designs at last. There will be a meeting in Salen School organized by the Community Council on wed 21 April at 7-30 pm. So why not bring your unbiased insight down to that meeting Blog Blog because the future must be hugely exciting for wind power enthusiasts wanting to do a makeover on Mull.
pondhead from Mull
I've no doubt that views have a value, but so does an unspoiled environment or a sustainable future. I think that the people of Mull shuld decide what's best, but am still entitled to a view.
Blog Blog from Glasgow
Why don't they stick them somewhere that already looks rubbish?
a sensible voice from glasgow
I accept your points, they are great points and very well put. Don't think I am telling anyone not to have their say. I am happy if you’re for or against the wind farm, which is the truth. I hope you agree that having no opinion means you agree with the building the wind farm? Like you Blog Blog, I need information to make up my own mind. Have all the people in Dervaig been informed about the plans, because I know plans have been available for a long time now? Has Wind Energy Ltd put out any plans or maps prior to the public meeting so people can discuss things? Do you know where the access roads run? How close to the sea eagles will the turbines be? Where will the power lines run, where the materials will come ashore etc etc Do we find out before the construction starts?
Come on Wind Energy Ltd & SgurrEnegy Ltd - if you confident this is a good idea why keep it a secret. Put some information up on the web showing the detailed plans before you start building so any problems may be addressed. Of course if it’s beyond you to put up a few web pages because it’s a bit technical we will understand completely.
pondhead from Mull
Had a glitch on the pc so only just picked this up. Donald from the farm has really got my back up - can I just point out to him and every one else that taxpayers have subsidised him and others for years. And you may own the land but you don't own the right to destroy others livelihoods for your greed. You have just exhibited the destruction of the myth that farmers care for the countryside and done a major disservice to vast numbers of people who supported the farmers through fights on legislation against fox hunting, hunting in general. You've betrayed us and I've just copied your quote to all the orgainsations that have been fightening for the countryside. However, you've done us a service - we know now just what a sham people like you are.
Annee from Yorkshire Dales
"Only 16 people make up over 25% of the anti-wind power lobby."
Time tell us clearly what your on about I think Blog Blog. I see answers being put up before the questions are on the site – we are in the company of psychics I think.
pondhead from mull
Sorry if i'm being a bit thick, but i'd like to know who the Turbines should serve? Are they to provide energy for only the island or will power be put into the national grid? If it's for the grid surely it would be cheaper to have the wind farms on the mainland? Nothing against our own "sparkies" but I believe servicing such beasts requires extra training and sending engineers across to Mull for every glitch will be costly. And also a difficult in Winter with the ferry timetable. Not just a hop, skip and a jump up the road.
Also, as so many people are in discussion on this subject should a forum be created where all the info can be (b)logged and and commented on?
And to Donald, which free handout do you expect from Brussels for rearing wind farms?
Bavscot from Mull
Re Donald's the view from his farm. Well I can picture it, you’re surrounded by your very own wind farm and you spend the day surfing the net for chat forums to contribute to, perhaps because you may not need to work any more. So what else can be said? You do have a point because it is your land and it is your business. There are as many opinions in the farming community as there are farmers. The prospect of wind farm money would make anyone with land have a long hard think about the financial benefits but unlike you it probably would involve a degree of consideration for wider issues. I hear the arguments once used in the clearances: I do what I want, I do the most profitable thing, and I don’t care if you leave. I am surprised not to find farmers jumping up to counter you views because the ones I speak to absolutely do think about the wider impact on the community.
headpond from mull
i really dont like them they ruin the terain and the beautiful landscape im sorry if you dont agree but thats my opinion Katrina Bellbourn
katrina from manchester
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