July 12, 2007
England
England
Plans to build giant wind turbines at a Dales beauty spot look set to fall at the final hurdle because of their ‘visual intrusion’.
The proposal for four green-energy generators to power 5,591 homes, has been put forward by Carsington Wind Energy Limited but has met with a number of objections about the chosen location.
And now Derbyshire Dales District Council planning officers have recommended that the application for the 335ft tall turbines at Carsington Pastures, two miles west of Wirksworth, should be refused.
A spokesman said: “While the benefits of this scheme in terms of energy policy and climate change are not contested, these matters do not outweigh the very significant visual intrusion of the development and harm that would result to the landscape, character and appearance, having due regard to the proximity to the National Park.”
The application is due to be discussed at a planning meeting in Ashbourne Leisure Centre, on Tuesday, at 6pm where a final decision could be made.
Brassington Parish Council, The Peak District National Park and The Ramblers’ Association objected to the plans and concerns were also raised by Derbyshire County Council about the visual impact and archaeological work that should be carried out before the turbines are installed.
Carsington Parish Council has put together a formal response to the application which includes independent investigations into the impact on noise and wildlife.
Chairman Neil Edmiston said Carsington Pastures ‘was an area of natural beauty’ with historical and scientific importance. And he was concerned that the company had failed to consult the parish council before an application was submitted.
“Because of the representations from the local community I am hoping that the application will be refused.
“There are so many issues that have not been addressed, refusal is the only suitable conclusion that can be reached.”
A total of 143 letters of objection were sent to the district council along with 23 supporting the proposals.
Carsington Wind Energy Limited said the region was currently behind on renewable energy targets for 2010 and there were no other wind farms in Derbyshire.
It believes the turbines would meet the needs of 20 per cent of the Derbyshire Dales population – the equivalent of powering Wirksworth, Carsington, Ashbourne South and Hulland.
12 July 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/07/12/wind-farm-bid-blow/