January 26, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Plans to build a wind farm with turbines up to 100 metres tall are set to be thrown out – amid fears they will spoil views of historic Beverley Minster.
Proposals for 12 “monster” turbines at Routh, near Beverley, will be considered by East Riding Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.
But concerns the turbines will ruin views from Beverley Westwood have led council planning officers to recommend the plans be refused.
East Riding Council planning officer Dave Cox said: “We’re concerned about the potential impact on views from Beverley Westwood, with Beverley Minster in the foreground. It would see the rotors whirling round in the background if you looked at it from the Westwood.”
Planning officers are also worried about the effect on the appearance of the Beverley conservation area.
The turbines would be three miles away from the Minster and, at 100 metres (328ft) tall, would be more than twice the height of the 49 metre (160ft) landmark building.
Dennis Parker, countryside secretary of the Beverley Ramblers’ Association, hopes to speak out against the proposals at Tuesday’s meeting.
He agrees the turbines would ruin views of Beverley Minster from the Westwood.
“They’ll be very conspicuous and, in terms of the landscape, completely objectionable,” he said.
“They would be monsters and a blot on the landscape.”
Residents near the site are also objecting to the plans.
Lisa Johnson’s house is just 600 metres from the proposed development.
She said: “I’m pleased to hear these are recommended for refusal. I hope councillors will listen to the officers.”
Richard Lenton, 46, of Cottage Farm in Routh, can see Beverley Minster from his home.
He said: “The natural beauty of the area would be dwarfed by the turbines.”
Pat Northgraves owns High Farm Country Park, close to the site, which has 70 holiday homes.
He said: “We’ve invested £4.5m in this area to discover these turbines are planned on our doorstep.”
But developer Ridgewind maintains the site would suit a wind farm.
Spokesman Nigel Goodhew said: “We’ve produced a montage view of the Minster and the turbines are a speck. They don’t look over the Minster.
“We were disappointed the development is recommended for refusal and hope councillors will approve the development.” j.howell@hdmp.co.uk
Links
Ridgewind
www.ridgewind.com
East Riding Council
www.eastriding.gov.uk
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/26/dont-ruin-minster-views-with-wind-farm/