August 13, 2010
England

Action group’s delight over wind turbine victory

By Laura Jones, www.chesterfirst.co.uk 13 August 2010

A community action group which fought to have a planning application dismissed is “overjoyed” after winning its battle.

The Manley and Mouldsworth Action Group (MMAG) united with more than 160 residents in the rural area of Chester to oppose plans for a 100-metre wind turbine put forward by applicant Peter Willis, of Mouldsworth Hall Farm.

After just three weeks of intense talks and protest, the group is celebrating, after the application was withdrawn from Cheshire West and Chester planning board.

Co-chairman of MMAG, David Childs, said the group applauded Mr Willis for demonstrating ‘sound business acumen’ and for listening to the local community.

Mr Childs said: “It is fortunate that common sense has prevailed on all sides.”

Mr Willis wanted to construct a Enercon-48 model wind turbine to generate energy for an organic farm and his Box It business, as well as surplus energy which could be sold back to the National Grid.

Some residents were advised of the plans by the farmer, however further information was leaked into the community as part of a Freedom of Information request.

MMAG held a meeting where residents voiced concerns about the proposed green belt site and created protest placards to place around affected villages.

Following increasing pressure, Mr Willis made a statement to the Leader on Tuesday in which he revealed he had withdrawn the application.

Mr Childs added: “We are certain that all of the 160 plus residents who unanimously supported the local action committee are overjoyed with the news.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/13/action-groups-delight-over-wind-turbine-victory/