April 14, 2011
England

Planners to consider double wind farm debate

Lynn News, www.lynnnews.co.uk 13 April 2011Lynn News, www.lynnnews.co.uk 13 April 2011

West Norfolk planning chiefs are being recommended to refuse planning permission for two controversial wind farms in neighbouring villages.

E.ON Climate and Renewable Energy wants to build five wind turbines on land at Chiplow near Syderstone. RES UK is bidding to build six turbines about four miles away at Jack’s Lane near Stanhoe.

The plans have aroused strong local opposition and Development Control Board members will on Monday hear arguments from both sides.

Both applicants say there is a need to increase electricity generation from renewable sources, consequently reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Objections to the Chiplow scheme have been received from surrounding parish councils and North Norfolk District Council. Individual written objections totalled 609.

Concern was mainly voiced about the visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty. NW Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham feared there would be significant cost to the environment for few benefits.

Docking ward councillor Nicholas Ullswater said the turbines were enormously high in comparison with local landmarks and hit out: “Turbines should be constructed offshore and the beauty of our fine landscapes should not be blighted.”

The Jack’s Lane proposals led to 635 letters of objection but 466 letters of support were also received. There was again widespread opposition from parish councils.

Refusal of both applications is recommended due to intrusion on the landscape.

The Chiplow wind farm is also considered to impact on Bloodgate Hill fort ancient monument and historic Houghton Hall park. An adverse effect on air traffic control radar at RAF Marham is also highlighted.

In the case of Jack’s Lane, the harm to heritage assets and pink-footed geese was not considered to be outweighed by the contribution the project would make to mitigating climate change, board members will hear.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/14/planners-to-consider-double-wind-farm-debate/