About Us

Cheshire Against Rural Turbines

ChART is a group of neighbours (from some 50 households to date) formed to oppose the installation of 3 x 100metre turbines at Oxheys Farm, Rushton.

ChART is in favour of renewable energy and the need to reduce ‘greenhouse’ gas emissions, but there are better alternatives to onshore turbines such as biomass, wave and tidal power. Wind turbines should be built offshore where you can build bigger more efficient turbines without the cost to the landscape and local people.

A summary of recent developments:

• 50metre wind speed monitoring mast has been operational since February 2005.

• Letters expressing our concerns have been exchanged with Mr Wilf Hodgson on 5 and 21 April, and with npower on 5 April, 20 April, 1 May and 10 June, the last of which provided answers to some of our specific questions. These questions and answers can be seen under ‘The Application’ section of our website.

• A preliminary meeting was held on 12 April with the Planning Officer of Vale Royal Borough Council.

• An experienced consultant has been formally retained by the group since March.

• Links are being established with other groups including Aston (near Frodsham) which is dealing with a similar threat, the CPRE, the CLA, and most particularly, the Chairmen of the ten adjacent Parish Councils, a list of councils is attached.

• We have made an encouraging start with financial contributions so far totalling £1900. At this stage we anticipate that funds will be needed to cover at least the following costs:

Consultant - estimate £1650
P.O. Box (12 months) 54
Website hosting 25
Postage, printing etc - estimate 200
Hire of Jessie Hughes Institute for meetings (3 x £15) 45
Public meeting involving Stephen O’Brien MP - estimate 100
NB: all funds not used will be returned on a pro rata basis.

• ChART at the moment is guided by a small Action Group which is meeting approximately every two or three weeks, to contact the action group either email us at info@ch-art.co.uk or write to us at ChART, PO Box 317, Rushton, Tarporley, CW6 9WF.

None of us are against renewable energy but there is increasing evidence that wind turbines on land are less effective and productive than has been claimed. We believe that the imposition of such enormous structures in the midst of rural Cheshire is not justified. Up to now, no formal application has been made by npower and there is no indication when, or even if, one will be made. However, we must not be complacent; we may hope for the best but must continue to plan for the worst.

As many of us are discovering, this is not only a complex matter but the whole proposition is subject to complex and time-consuming procedures. It is clear already that the funds contributed so far are barely the minimum needed to fight the first round. The Action Group is preparing summary notes which will counter the case put forward by npower and illustrate graphically the enormous size of these turbines in relation to houses and trees. They will refer to the potential noise problems and the proposed route for the construction lorries from the A49 through Eaton. A video made by another opposition group illustrating many of these points is also available; if you would like to view it please contact us.

We are in touch with other organisations that have already been through a similar process to try to ensure that we leave no stone unturned. By the same token, would you please pass this information on to all neighbours and friends who may be affected or interested. In the meantime, if you have strong views or advice, please do get in touch with us or, if you prefer, with your Parish Council, as your input at this stage could be very helpful.

Those of you who have not yet signalled your support by sending your name, address and wherever possible, e-mail address are asked to do so urgently; likewise, further financial contributions would be most helpful and encouraging to those who are working on your behalf.

PARISH COUNCILS

Rushton; Alpraham; Calveley; Darnhall; Little Budworth; Tarporley; Tiverton & Tilstone Fearnall; Utkinton & Cotebrook; Wardle; Wettenhall & Cholmondeston.