February 22, 2008
England

Planners turn down towering turbines

Controversial plans to put five huge wind turbines on Todmorden Moor have been dealt a blow.

Calderdale Council Planning Committee voted to agree to a report recommending refusal of the 410-ft turbines, due to their impact on the surrounding area.

Objectors at the packed meeting applauded the decision but said there was still a long road ahead.

Chris Edwards, of Friends of the South Pennines, said: “This is a victory for us and we are very pleased at the criticism of the plans.

“The turbines are huge and a real threat to the area.”

Objector Denise Mcgowan, of Todmorden, said: “From the outset there have been serious flaws in these plans.

“All in all there is substantial agreement to object to them.”

The final decision will now be taken at a public inquiry expected to last several days.

Coronation Power says the five turbines at Todmorden Moor could produce enough clean energy to supply about 8,300 homes when working to optimum capacity.

Craig Whittaker, prospective Parliamentary candidate for the Calder Valley, said: “This isn’t a ‘not in my back yard’ mentality.

“It is about protecting the environment, economy and community that we all love and want to protect.

“This so-called alternative energy is entirely contradictory to these aims.

“Therefore I urge us all to take a stance and fight any plans to install wind farms in the wonderful Calder Valley.”

By Joe Shute

Evening Courier

22 February 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/22/planners-turn-down-towering-turbines/