Sir - May I question your editorials (February 1 and March 21) opposing wind turbines in Oxford's Green Belt?

  • Turbines would not harm Horspath's view of BMW's factory.
  • Sandford Brake is straddled by electricity pylons and its sub-station seems a logical site for wind turbines.
  • I live by Cutteslowe Park: one or two tall, graceful turbines could enhance our award-winning park, as the Eiffel Tower does the Champ de Mars.

The exception is Hinksey Heights: turbines there would spoil the unique view of Oxford from Boars Hill. The CPRE opposes this threat and I hope Oxford Preservation Trust will too.

In general, wind turbines should be sited for maximum generating efficiency and minimum harm to wildlife. They should not be in sites with insufficient wind, but nor should Nimbys prevent construction where turbines would work well.

Please will Oxford City Council also encourage reinstatement of hydro-electric turbines that used to generate clean electricity from the Thames? Whereas wind speed fluctuates daily, water flows fluctuate seasonally. The annual minimum is during the summer, when it can be offset by maximum solar power generation.

The former Sandford paper mill had hydro-electric turbines. Had they been kept when the mill was demolished in the 1980s they would be generating enough power for at least 200 homes. The 50 homes built on the mill site would have had free hydro-electricity, plus an income from selling power to the National Grid.

Osney Mill was smaller than Sandford Mill, but it was self-sufficient in water power. Osney Mill's owner has sought to build new homes on the site, preserving the remnants of Osney Abbey and part of the burnt-out, derelict Georgian mill. A modern water turbine at Osney could power all the homes that the city council would allow on its former mill site.

Hugh Jaeger, Oxford