April 6, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Campaigners are celebrating victory after plans to build three large wind turbines in the heart of the Hawker country were thrown out.
North Cornwall councillors went against planning officers’ recommendations and last week refused plans by West Coast Energy to build three 81-metre (260ft) turbines near Crimp, just outside Morwenstow.
One of the main reasons for refusal was “unacceptable visual impact with an accumulative effect with Forest Moor in Bradworthy.”
Despite fierce opposition, neighbouring Bradworthy became home to North Devon’s first wind farm in 2005, when German company Energie Kontor erected three 786m (250ft) turbines at Stowford Cross. The proposed wind farm was only a few miles away.
North Cornwall District Council planning officer Simon King said the reasons for refusal in Morwenstow included the impact on the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and potential danger to bats. A decision notice has not yet been issued.
John Moxey of MAT – Morwenstow Against Turbines – established to fight the proposed development, said he was delighted.
“We are over the moon. We always knew we had a strong case and now the planning committee has added its support,” he said.
Hundreds of letters of objection were sent to NCDC and protestors said there was an enormous “depth of feeling in the South West over concerns of the effect these machines would have on the landscape, wildlife and the quality of life for residents and visitors.”
West Coast Energy has not said whether it will appeal as it has not received a decision notice from the council.
Land and development manager Neil Exton said: “Until we receive a decision notice we do not know the grounds for refusal and do not know what we are appealing against.
“The council went against the officer’s recommendation and we are bitterly disappointed. We will take advice once we have received notification.”
5 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/06/celebrations-as-wind-farm-plan-given-no-vote/