Garstang wind turbine appeal goes to inquiry
Controversial plans to build what is thought to be the largest land-based wind turbine in the UK in the countryside near Garstang will be decided by a public inquiry.
The inquiry, for a 127m-high turbine next to Dewlay Cheese business at Kirkland, will be held by a written representation procedure which is now under way.
Dewlay want to use the wind power to supply energy to their plant, off the A6, and to boost their green credentials.
But the plans were rejected at a packed Wyre Council planning meeting because of concerns it would be too big and have a disastrous impact on the countryside.
When the plans were discussed local councillor David Sharples praised the commercial success of the award-winning cheese firm, but said he could not support the turbine scheme.
He said: “It is incongruous to the local scene. It is massive – the largest one on land in the country.”
Fleetwood Coun Marlene Colby said she was a supporter of wind-generated power, but she had been “gobsmacked” by the scale of the Dewlay proposal.
Garstang Coun Tom Balmain added: “It is a massive structure. I consider it would be a complete blot on the landscape and out of character with the area.”
Several members of the public also spoke out against the scheme at the meeting at Wyre Civic Centre, Poulton, raising concerns about noise, the environment and wildlife.
More than 300 residents had lodged objections before the meeting. Parish councils also objected.
The only support came from Coun Ron Shewan (Fleetwood) who said green energy was the way forward and the health risk from “flicker” from the Dewlay turbine had been overplayed by opponents.
The company behind Dewlay’s plan, Wind Direct decided to appeal against the decision after it was rejected.
Wind Direct bosses say the application is in line with the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West, which indicates a target of seven single large turbines to be developed in Lancashire by 2010.
The company’s project manager Richard Barker said: “We were very surprised when the wind turbine application was refused, particularly since the Dewlay site complies with all of the criteria set by Government.”
If approved, it is hoped that the wind turbine will start generating electricity within 12 months.
The appeal by written representation has started and representations should be sent to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18a, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, quoting ref APP/U2370/A/09/2092990/NWF.
Comments need to be received by the Planning Inspectorate by February 13.
Previous correspondence relating to the original application has been passed on to the Inspectorate by Wyre Council.
6 February 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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