Objections should, ideally, be in your own words. We have suggested some ideas about what you might wish to say in your letter of objection. Copying this text word for word may lessen the impact, though better that than not responding.   During the next few days we will build on the text in this section to help even further with formulating your letters of objection, so please keep looking.  Although the official deadline for responses has passed, we understand from the planning office that letters and emails received before the planning council meets will still be taken into consideration.  So please take a few moments and do it now!  If you need any help composing your letter email saynotoharrington@gmail.com or ring 07768 573602 and we’ll try and help.

Please do NOT include “impact on house prices” as a planning objection. This is not a planning consideration and as such will be ignored by the Council, though it can, we believe, be raised in relation to the general socio-economic wellbeing of the community.

We need as many people as possible to write to object to these proposals. You may have your own reasons for objecting but here are a few to get you started:

• Visual Intrusion. These turbines will be up to 126.5 metres high - they will have a huge impact on the local landscape and there will be significant visual effects to around 6 - 8km from the site. The turbines will be visible beyond Leicester in the North and Milton Keynes in the south.
• Loss of amenity. These turbines will be located within120 metres of a much-used bridleway, which will be significantly affected during construction. It is also used by horses and the British Horse Society recommends a minimum distance of 200 metres to avoid startling a horse. They will also have an impact on the Brampton Valley Way.
• Impact on wildlife. This area is well known for its local wildlife including a large population of bats (a protected species) and in particular the Noctule and Leisler bats which are considered nationally uncommon and scarce; the red kite (which is very limited in numbers) and the golden plover. Wind turbines have been shown to chop up birds who fly into their paths.
• Impact on human health. The turbines, when rotating, cause noise and vibration. Other communities living close to existing wind farms have complained of not being able to sleep, stress and headaches. There are many varying reports about the impact on human health - should our community have to act as guinea pigs until this is proven?
• Proximity to local housing. The nearest turbine will be around 550 metres from the Museum, 710m from Foxhall Cottages, 830m from Draughton Heath, 600 m from Sunnyvale Farm, and less than 1 km from Draughton properties - far closer than most windfarms.
• Proximity to roads. The turbines will be sited in clear view of the A14, a dangerous, busy road. Drivers unfamiliar with the area are likely to be distracted by the sight of the turbines leading to an increase in accidents on this road. It will also have an open and disruptive view from the busy B576 Rothwell to Lamport Road.
• Increase in local traffic. Windfarms attract attention and the roads around Draughton are narrow country roads. Increased traffic will cause problems because most are barely a car wide and, in order to pass, cars have to move on to the grass verge. The increased damage to the verges will not only disfigure the countryside but impact further on wildlife. During the construction phase this will be particularly disruptive.
• Historic importance of the site.  Part of this site was home to the Carpet Baggers and is still a place of pilgrimage for families of the American forces who flew from there. It was also a Thor Missile site during the Cold War and as such is greatly valued.