Hundreds object to Garstang turbine plan
Hundreds of people have objected to Dewlay’s plans for a giant 127 metre high wind turbine next to their cheese factory off the A6 between Garstang and Churchtown.
Wyre Council will decide the controversial application in a fortnight — if approved it will have a dramatic impact on the southern gateway to Garstang and be visible from large parts of the countryside.
Although there has been no co-ordinated campaign against the plan, more than 300 objections have been received by Wyre Council.
The objectors include several parish councils as well as individuals worried about the environmental impact and possible health concerns, and Blackpool International Airport which is worried about the impact of the wind turbine on its radar.
Dewlay, keen to add to its existing green credentials, wants its business to be powered by the turbine — with any extra energy produced going to the national grid.
The letters of objection have come from Garstang, Churchtown, Bonds, Bowgreave, St Michaels and Pilling.
One of the objectors, County Coun Val Wilson of Catterall, says the plan is “completely detrimental to the area and totally disproportionate to the amount of power needed for the business.”
Other objectors include Mr James Fowler of Garstang who fears the turbine will be a distraction and lead to road accidents, Dr David Beswick of Churchtown, who is worried about noise and “flicker” problems on migraine sufferers, and architect Derek Southworth of Churchtown, who believes the application is “publicity stunt.”
The handful of supporting letters are from the Friends of the Earth and one from a Garstang resident.
Wyre Council’s environmental health boss, the county highways department and the Ministry of Defence are not objecting.
The Courier understands an informal pressure group has been set up in the Churchtown area, with members circulating posters with comparative pictures showing that the highest extent of the Dewlay turbine and blade would be higher than the Big Ben tower on the Houses of Parliament.
The Courier has also learned there had been difficulties for Kirkland Parish Council in debating the turbine plan, as one member of the council lives on the site, another is a close neighbour and two other members will see the turbine from their homes and have therefore had to declare a “personal interest.”
Councillors have now managed to formulate a response and has told Wyre it has strong objections to the turbine, saying it is too big and out of character with the area. It is also worried about noise and vibrations and worries about a drop in property values.
The agenda for the planning meeting will be published on-line next Wednesday(August 27) and will include the planning officers’ recommendation on whether to approve or refuse the plans.
The application will be decided at the planning meeting at Wyre Civic Centre, Poulton, on Wednesday, September 3, at 2pm.
20 August 2008
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