March 18, 2008
England
England
Morpeth firm Waters and Robson has won planning permission for a 40m high mast to measure wind speed, as it investigates whether it could produce its own electricity.
Borough councillors approved proposals for the anemometer, which will measure wind speeds over a 12 month period to help the company assess whether a wind turbine would be suitable at the site.
Three residents on Green Lane objected to the plans, claiming that any subsequent wind turbine would be an eyesore.
But planning officer Jane Bennett said the current application was only for the monitoring mast, and that any subsequent application for a turbine would be considered separately.
And she also rejected complaints that the mast would be noisy. “Environmental Health has said there is no issue regarding wind noise.”
The Development Services Committee had previously rejected a similar application for a monitoring mast at Butterwell Farm Longhirst, which was overturned on appeal, Mrs Bennett added.
Members voted 9-0 with three abstentions to grant temporary planning permission for three years.
By Helen Beals
13 March 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/18/morpeth-wind-speed-mast-approved/