Article from *Le Courrier de la Mayenne* dated February 16, 2012. The effort to protect the Bourgon Castle site (against a proposed wind farm whose turbines would be visible from the site) provides an opportunity to raise awareness more broadly about the protection of landscapes and cultural heritage.
It is unacceptable that we have to fight to protect designated historic monuments. It should go without saying, but it is far from being the case. Too many financial incentives end up overshadowing the beauty of our sites and landscapes in the eyes of decision-makers.
It’s time to take action before “industrial sites” start popping up everywhere and marring France’s historic, iconic landmarks. Even Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under threat… Is this normal?
Is there no longer any discernment? Who, then, pays for the environmental studies? The developer—who, moreover, pushes these projects forward by dangling the prospect of substantial profits in front of elected officials… The landscape is the main victim, but so is France’s cultural heritage.
Coutances Abbey has paid the price for this—just look online at the photos of the wind turbines right next to its bell towers! Never again!