A chara, - There is a tendency among some planners to restrict wind turbines to locations where they are not visible from nearby towns and roads.
But aesthetics cannot be separated from function. People expect wind turbines to be sited in exposed windy locations. To hide them away in hollows and depressions behind the skyline makes them look out of place to those who do see them (farmers, hill-walkers, etc.).
Besides, more turbines are then needed to produce a given amount of electricity.
Also, developers are sometimes required to use shorter towers to reduce the visibility of turbines. This limits access to the stronger winds higher up, and in my view, a turbine on an uncharacteristically short tower looks stunted.
Wind turbines in the landscape look best when their location and design makes them effective in catching the wind. So planners, please allow them to stand tall in exposed locations as visible signs of our commitment to sustainable development, as well as our appreciation of the link between aesthetics and function. - Is mise,
Ciaran King Croydon Green, Marino, Dublin 3.