Turbines create a village of the damned by Janet Boyle
Wind farm slashed 50k off familys house price
A family say plans for a wind farm near their idyllic home have slashed its
value. Boyd and Sally Sneddon of Tigh na Bhan, Glenbarr, on the Kintyre
peninsula have been desperately trying to sell their picture-perfect four
bedroom detached house for more than 18 months.
The house was valued at 265,000 but the couple say hopes of selling it for
that price have been dashed by plans for 19 monstrous turbines on their
doorstep.
Instead they are now being advised they might get as little as 200,000.
Their Council, Argyll and Bute, is considering plans from renewable firm
Burcote Wind to build the 125 metre turbines close to the family home.
The UKs Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, recently commissioned a
consultancy to investigate whether renewable technologies were lowering
house prices in the countryside.
But in August it was reported the document, due to be published soon, was
being blocked by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) amid
fears it will conclude turbines do harm property prices.
Last night, dad-of-three Boyd said they were trapped in their home.
He claimed two estate agents had already failed to sell the home and two
potential buyers had even written to them to say they wouldn’t move
anywhere near turbines.
The couple, who have lived at the house for five years, had planned to move
to Ayrshire.
Its been a nightmare, said Boyd, 52, owner of a take-away food shop.
Its like the village of the damned. We live in one of the most beautiful
spots in the world with views over Jura and beyond. Its so gorgeous
passers-by often ask if they can buy the house. But they lose interest
when they find out about the turbines.
The house has been taken off the market and it has cost me 1,500 in estate
agent fees and a home survey.
Burcote Wind originally applied for 23 turbines but cut the number to 19
amid local opposition.
Boyd added: I feel helpless. A company should not be able to come into an
area and make your property impossible to sell.
A spokesman for Burcote said: We made changes to the wind farm proposal and
worked with the community to reduce turbines from 23 to 19.
The nearest turbine is now 1.8km from the edge of Glenbarr village.
The Advertising Standards Agency evidence on the link between wind farms
and property prices remains inconclusive.
The willingness to live next door to a wind farm is personal to each
individual and we understand neighbours concern at our proposals.
Our proposals are accompanied by a 7.8 million community benefit fund to
deliver investment in local employment opportunities , economic development
and community facilities.
Byd Sneddon added: The village does not need 7.8 million investment. We
just want to retain its natural beauty.
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