Atlantic Array in Bristol Channel

The development has a planned capacity of 1.5GW and it is proposed this would be achieved by as many as 417 wind turbines with heights up to 220m. (The smaller the turbines the more there will be.) It is expected that the turbines would be visible for 50km so would be clearly seen from all the neighbouring coasts as well as from higher land with views across this part of the Bristol Channel.

For comparision, Lundy, which is visible from coastal cliffs from Oxwich Point along to Rhossili and beyond, has a high point of 142m; Ilfracombe, which is clearly visible across the Bristol Channel from Horton, has a high point of 270m; Cefn Bryn, which has vistas across the Bristol Channel, has a high point of 188m.

The development would be 9 miles (14 km) off the coast of north Devon, and 10 miles (16 km) off the coast of South Wales. It would cover an area the size of the Isle of Wight.

As currently presented the onshore features of the scheme would be in Devon.

See location map prepared by RWE npower.

The main concern of local people in the Gower and Swansea area is likely to be the visibility of the turbines by day and by night, though there are other issues associated with wind turbines and this development in particular. The turbines would be visible across the sea horizon and would obscure parts of the opposite coasts. There will be lighting on turbines and on ancillary buildings.

The people likely to be affected are local residents, local visitors and businesses in the tourism and hospitality trades. Holiday-makers would have a choice of whether to visit or not. The presence of the wind farm on a map would probably discourage some visitors. Some of the locations and views featured in marketing materials for South Wales will be affected. Walkers, photographers, birders would be specifically aware.

Gower is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for good reason. Local householders and businesses are constrained by planning regulations which help protect the character of the area and the local authority expends significant resources for the same reason. There has been investment to develop a coastal path all around Gower.

There is doubt over the value of offshore wind farms as a source of energy because of their inefficiency, the need to match them with reliable sources when they fail, and the materials used in their manufacture and installation. Other concerns for this development include its impact on sediment deposits, on surfing waves, on birds migrating down the west coast of Britain via Lundy, and on sea birds and sea life.

If this wind farm were located further out on the Continental Shelf it would be less intrusive. Alternatively, progress is being made in wave and tide power which can be captured without the high towers and blades of the wind turbines. Energy security is important but it doesn't have to achieved this way.

See Atlantic Array Action and Atlantic Array Petition for What You Can Do.

The information packed Windbyte at www.windbyte.co.uk/windpower.html.

This Mail Online covers a variety of topics. How the search for green power in the west is causing enviromental disaster in China (from start), the impact of wind turbines on our land and seascape (starts near the word Monadhliath) and How Turbines Work (see illustrated panel) and How the Energy Options Stack Up (from illustrated panel): In China, the true cost of Britain's clean, green wind power experiment: Pollution on a disastrous scale at www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1350811/In-China-true-cost-Brit....

This is Devon reports on National Trust Statement at www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Industrial-scale-wind-farm-destroy-wild-beautiful/....

Wales on Line reports concerns from Porthcawl at www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/bridgend-maesteg/2011/09/22/...

And a personal view.....will be added soon.