February 22, 2008
England
England
A new storm is brewing among Heath Hayes residents over plans for a wind farm in their patch.
Last week, The Post reported how residents of the village had met with parish councillors and wind farm Project Manager Ian Parker, representing developers Harworth Power.
The parish council voted 7- 1 in favour of the development going ahead.
But one concerned local resident, Alex Reaney of Chetwynd Park, says he is staggered by their reluctance to give the scheme the thumbs-down.
“I received the notice of planning application, but was unable to respond by the February 11 deadline as I was unable to view the proposed plans before this week,” he told The Post on Monday.
“I have now read through the documents supporting the application and I hope that my views can still be registered.
“I was concerned to see the photographs showing the potential impact on the landscape – not necessarily from Rawnsley, where I live, as the impact is reduced from this side because of the gradient of the land and the distance, but from the Chasewater and Chase Terrace side of the development. These turbines will be seen for miles when approaching the area from that side. My understanding is that Bleak House is green belt land and it is bordered by land which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty…is this just discounted when making a planning decision?”
He also said that any noise will have an impact on local wildlife.
“There’s also the problem with residents. Thousands in the area could be affected by the noise, while the scheme will generate power for only 3,400 homes – and only then on the days when the wind is sufficient to power the turbines. Is permission for this scheme worth the damaging effect on the environment and residents of Cannock Chase?
“I was surprised to read that Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council have voted 7-1 in favour, which I feel in no way accurately reflects the residents’ views.”
Alex has now forwarded his comments and questions to Cannock Chase District Council’s Head of Planning, John Heminsley, and is awaiting a response.
21 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/22/wind-farm-will-damage-environment/