July 25, 2011
England

Opposition grows against wind farm

Leyland Guardian, www.leylandguardian.co.uk 25 July 2011

Opposition against plans to build a wind farm just outside Leyland is growing.

Four wind turbines are proposed for land off Wham Lane, Little Hoole, in a move which could generate enough energy to power four farms for 20 years, as revealed by the Guardian two weeks ago.

But the plans are being met with growing objections from people living nearby, who say the development is not in keeping with the area.

Hannah Mansfield, who lives on Moss Lane, said: “I have lived on the road for over 30 years and currently enjoy the quiet and peaceful location.

“From the back of my property you can see for miles, with spectacular views of both Winter Hill and the Pennines.

“These views will be spoilt with the two if not three turbines I will see (from my house).

“I also have two horses and I fear of any accidents from bringing them in from the field close to the turbines.”

The turbines will be situated on land at Wham House Farm, Chestnut House Farm, and Moss Farm, which are all owned by applicant Harry Sutton.

Mr Sutton has farmed the land for a number of years and he is now looking to generate enough electricity to support his own farms, and contribute power back to the National Grid.

A total of 20 letters of objection have now been submitted to planning bosses at South Ribble Council, who are being urged to turn down the plans, including from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

In a letter to planners, Elizabeth and Ian Bond, who also live near the site, said: “We run a boarding cattery and a small caravan site and both these will be adversely affected by the wind turbines.

“The main attraction to our customers is the peace and quiet of the location.

“This development would be very detrimental to our livelihood. The building of the wind turbines will have a huge impact on our lives and on the lives of all the local community.”

Another resident, who lives close by, said: “I am in disbelief that this application is even being considered. The effect this would have on the area would be devastating.

“I am most definitely not against alternative sources of energy. I, in fact, believe it will form a big part of our future. But not now and not on our doorsteps.”

Applicant Mr Sutton said: “The application will be to generate enough renewable energy for four farms.

“I’ve estimated it will make us more than self sufficient and we are contributing to the environment as well.

“There is a great demand for energy and if we don’t generate our own then it will mean using fossil fuels.

“This is what we believe in and we are trying to become self-sufficient in energy because we have got plans to expand the farm.

“We hope to be successful. If (the planners) find in the favour of the people objecting then there is not much we can do.”

“It’s a massive investment we are looking at.”

The application will be decided by planning bosses at South Ribble Council in the coming months.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/25/opposition-grows-against-wind-farm/