July 11, 2011
England

Wind mast application refused

Ripon Gazete, www.ripongazette.co.uk 9 July 2011

Planners have turned down an application for a 50m wind measuring mast in lower Wensleydale.

Kelda Water, parent company of Yorkshire water, had applied to raise a 50m anemometer on their land on No Mans Moor Lane beside Thornton Steward reservoir.

Richmondshire council’s planning committee rejected the plans on Tuesday, June 29 after receiving more than 160 individual objections.

The mast was to measure wind speed in the area to see if a commercial wind farm was viable on the site.

However, the application caused a local outcry amid fears it would open the door to wind turbines in the area which is inside Area of Great Landscape Value and within sight of Jervaulx Abbey, the Dales national park and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Local residents also objected to the proposed mast’s location close to a bridleway.

It was feared it would be close enough to spook passing horses and the supporting guy ropes caused a danger to those walking or riding along the path.

A “Save Wensleydale” website was set up to encourage residents to contact the council to express their views.

Richmondshire Council postponed its plans to examine the application to allow more people to comment on them.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/11/wind-mast-application-refused/