October 25, 2007
England
England
A huge wind turbine, which planners insist must be lit to prevent aircraft crashing into it, could be a blot on the landscape, a councillor has warned.
Amber Valley councillor Liz Bowley described the massive structure, planned for Codnor, as “a colossus” – as high as 13 houses.
“It will generate enough power for 300 homes and it is laudable for this organisation to make this gesture to the environment,” she told the council’s planning board.
“But equally it could potentially blight the lives of people in more than 300 homes.”
Councillors granted permission for the turbine to be installed in the car park of the Bonar and Flotex premises on High Holborn Road, Codnor Gate.
Tips of blades will reach 78 metres high, which prompted the police to insist it should be lit to warn its helicopter crew.
The Civil Aviation Authority also supported the idea of a warning light.
Parish councillor Chris Emmas-Williams said villagers were concerned.
“It is fine that everyone is trying to improve the environment and yet it is something which will be seen for miles and miles around.
“Some people will be very close and it be a very big aspect of their lives,” he added.
Applicants say the turbine’s noise should not bother local people – but it could be halted at times of high wind.
In a report, council officers said: “Objection has been made that the turbine will be seen from miles around and will be viewed as a monstrosity.
“Given its location in an industrial estate, surrounded by high buildings with a backdrop of tall trees and its design, it is considered acceptable and will represent a landmark feature and focal point for Codnor.”
The blades will be painted grey to reduce the “flicker effect,” especially during sunset. And checks must be carried out to see if bats are at risk.
The company says the turbine will provide about a third of its electricity. When it is producing more than needed, the power will be directed on to the National Grid.
25 October 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/10/25/warning-as-go-ahead-given-for-huge-wind-turbine/