September 30, 2007
England

Turbines plan goes to appeal

A public inquiry will determine the future of a controversial plan to build four 330ft wind turbines at Carsington.

West Coast Energy has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against Derbyshire Dales District Council’s decision to reject the plans for turbines.

This means there will be a public inquiry into the application next year.

But villagers are confident the plan will not go ahead.

Neil Edmiston, Carsington and Hopton Parish Council’s chairman, said: “We are not surprised that West Coast has decided to lodge an appeal. We expected them to do so.

“We are not concerned because even in six or 12 months’ time, the reasons why the development were turned down will not have changed.”

A district council planning meeting in July was told that villagers had campaigned against the four turbines.

They claimed that the machines would be too noisy and would be visible from the road, possibly distracting motorists.

Eight of the 50 objectors put forward other reasons why the plan should be thrown out.

Some felt that the natural beauty and wildlife of the area should be protected on the 40-acre site at Manystones Lane.

They also claimed that West Coast Energy had failed to consult them.

Mr Edmiston said: “West Coast have never made any attempt to speak to us.

“Even when the original application was turned down, we did say ‘come and talk to us’ but they just ignored us.

“We are not against renewable energy in any shape or form but we just feel that the site is totally inappropriate for four huge wind turbines.”

The appeal process can take up to 18 months.

District council planning officer Jon Bradbury said: “The applicant has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which is an arm of the Secretary of State’s office.

“We and the applicant have to put forward our statements of case.

“We give the reasons why we turned down the application, and the applicants have the chance to put forward their reasons why they should be successful on appeal.

“There will then be a public inquiry by an independent inspector but I would not anticipate this being much before late spring or early summer next year.

“It is a very long and complicated process.”

No-one from West Coast Energy was available for comment.

By Martin Naylor

Evening Telegraph

27 September 2007


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