Conservation group opposes wind farm
www.southshropshirejournals.com 1 April 2011www.southshropshirejournals.com 1 April 2011
www.southshropshirejournals.com 1 April 2011www.southshropshirejournals.com 1 April 2011
The Open Spaces Society has added its objections to the plan to put four wind turbines on hills between Presteigne and Knighton.
Bolsterstone Innovative Energy Ltd wants to put the turbines, with associated development, on Stonewall Hill, also known as Reeves Hill, between Knighton and Presteigne.
But the Open Spaces Society, Britain’s oldest national conservation body, has written to both Herefordshire and Powys councils’ planning departments to object to the plans, which it claims would “deface” the hill.
Other objectors include the Stonewall Hill Conservation Group, the National Trust, the ramblers and the Herefordshire Campaign to Protect Rural England.
The Open Spaces Society has stated that the wind turbines will be very visible on this elevated site and a blot on the landscape for miles around.
The hill commands 360-degree views and is therefore extremely prominent.
Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary, said: “The unclassified road which crosses Stonewall Hill is quiet.
“It is used by people on foot, horseback and bike, as well as by cars.
“All these users will have their enjoyment completely spoilt by the suburbanising, hideous development.
”Furthermore, because the summit of the hill is relatively flat, it is an ideal spot for elderly and disabled people to enjoy the view and have a quiet picnic.
“The banausic wind turbines will tower over the unspoiled landscape, and with their constant noise and flicker will devastate its tranquil character. They must not be permitted.”
Herefordshire planning committee will be considering the application in due course, but the date has not yet been announced.
The Open Spaces Society (formally the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society) was founded in 1865 and is Britain’s oldest national conservation body.
It campaigns to protect common land, village greens, open spaces and public paths, and people’s right to enjoy them, throughout England and Wales.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/02/conservation-group-opposes-wind-farm/