Ipswich wind turbine protest over plans for 150m structure

The 150-metre structure, planned for Cliff Quay in Ipswich by Associated British Ports (ABP), would be the tallest onshore turbine in the UK and nearly four times the height of the Orwell Bridge.

Campaigners at the protest for the proposed Orwell Bridge wind turbine (Image: Peter Evans)

A protest was held at Wherstead Village Hall, with organisers warning the turbine would dominate the landscape and pose risks to nearby communities.

Peter Evans, protest organiser, said: "We held a protest because it is just going to ruin the landscape of the town.

"What’ll happen if we let them build this one is they’ll build turbines the other side of the river.

"It’ll have a monumental impact on people's houses. It’ll make so much noise.

"If we’re already having accidents on that bridge, then think of how much worse it’ll make it and we know the issues we have when the Orwell bridge closes around Ipswich.

"It goes beyond just the sight and sound for the people living there, it’ll cause their house prices to drop.

"It’s a stupid place to build a turbine - we were told they need the energy here but they fuel London from the North Sea.

"I’m a great believer in turbines but you have to do it in the right place."

Orwell Bridge (Image: Google Maps)

Opponents argue the turbine could pose a visual distraction to drivers on the Orwell Bridge and worsen traffic incidents.

Concerns have also been raised about noise, the strobing effect from the blades, and the impact on nearby homes, particularly those on The Strand and surrounding elevated areas.

Some residents fear the turbine could reduce house values and make properties difficult to sell.