February 4, 2011
England

Turbine row fury

Lancashire Evening Post, www.lep.co.uk 4 February 2011

Neighbours in two rural communities are gearing up to battle plans for more wind turbines.

People living in Eagland Hill, near Pilling, are preparing a legal challenge after the Government gave the go-ahead for two giant turbines in the countryside.

And Preston Council officers have recommended approval for another turbine close to Tenterhill Farm in Ashley Lane, Goosnargh, near Preston. Their decision comes despite fears from local councillors and residents about the possible effect on the area.

REG Windpower wants to spend £5m on two 80 metre turbines at Eagland Hill and was given permission in December following an appeal to the Government.

But the Eagland Hill Action Group (EHAG) has now announced it wants to seek a judicial review via the High Court.

A spokesman for the group said: “We do not want Pilling Moss to be ruined by massive turbines and for the floodgates to open for more.

“We will fight this to the bitter end.”

REG said they were “disappointed” by the move.

Meanwhile, concerns about plans to erect a 24.5m turbine in Goosnargh have also sparked concern.

Whittingham Parish Council believes the scheme would be “detrimental to the skyline of nearby properties”.

Residents have also objected on the grounds it will create noise and affect the character of the area.

But Preston Council officers have recommended the planning committee, which meets at the Town Hall this Monday, gives the scheme the go-ahead.

A report said it “would not have a significantly detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the area or the amenity of the neighbouring properties to justify refusal of the permission”.

The meeting starts at 10am.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/04/turbine-row-fury/