Firm to appeal over mast refusal
Planning permission for a temporary meteorology mast on the site of a controversial proposed wind farm was refused by just one vote at a meeting of Stratford District Council’s planning committee yesterday (Wednesday).
Broadview Energy, the developer behind the proposed wind farm—between Knightcote and Bishops Itchington near junction 12 of the M40—plan to appeal afterbeing refused permission to put up a temporary anemometry mast on the proposed Starbold site after the planning committee chose to reject a recommendation from officers to approve the application.
The firm’s managing director, Jeff Corrigan, said: “It is very disappointing to be refused permission by such a narrow margin, especially after the council’s planning officers’ recommendation that the application should be granted. We now intend to appeal to the Secretary of State to review that decision.”
Broadview Energy lodged the planning application for temporary two-year planning permission for the 60-metre anemometry mast that would allow collection of essential wind resource data to help establish whether the location would be technically suitable to support a wind farm of up to six turbines.
If the appeal is successful and the project goes ahead the company say the Starbold wind farm would generate clean, carbon-free electricity for up to 5,000 homes and would contribute thousands of pounds in payments to a local community fund over its anticipated 25-years operational life.
Residents of the Vale of Feldon and their action group, Feldon Residents Against Wind Turbines (FRAWT), have expressed their delight following the decision to reject the application.
They believe the views of the many local residents and visitors to Burton Dassett hills, who opposed the planning application, have been taken into account, as well as the arguments put forward by Stratford MP John Maples and Councillors Chris Kettle, Chairman of Bishops Itchington Parish Council and Chris Williams of Stratford District Council.
In a statement FRAWT said: “Resolute and determined action by local people has stopped this mast being erected. This in turn has prevented 125 metre high wind turbines being built within 500 metres of people’s homes and has preserved the beautiful vista from the Burton Dassett hills for the enjoyment of the 60,000 visitors and people of Warwickshire.”
Broadview Energy said it intends to complete detailed environmental and technical studies as part of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. These studies would look at a range of issues including local ecology and archaeology through to noise and visual impact, and would form a major part of any planning application submitted to Stratford District Council.
Stratford Herald
26 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
Some possibly related stories:
- Delay in decision over test mast for Bishops Itchington wind farm
- MP joins Bishops Itchington mast protest
- Bishops Itchington wind farm application defeated – by a single vote
- Single mast in new plans for beauty spot
- Windfarm data mast can stay
- Enertrag appeal against refusal of planning permission for meteorological (wind measuring) mast
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