August 16, 2011
England

Farmland turbine plan is given the green light

Lutterworth Mail, www.lutterworthmail.co.uk 16 August 2011

Planners have given the go-ahead for a wind turbine on farmland near Ullesthorpe despite some local opposition.

The application by Watson Haynes Ltd for the 66 metre-high turbine off Mere Lane, less than a mile south of the village, said the three-blade turbine would improve the farm’s sustainability and contribute to the Government’s renewable energy target.

The application faced opposition from Bitteswell Parish Council and Ullesthorpe’s representative on Harborough District Council, Cllr Rosita Page, who said the turbine would have a negative impact due to noise, ‘shadow-flicker’ from the turbines and would create an eyesore on the countryside.

However the proposals were approved at a meeting of the district council’s planning committee on Tuesday night.

Papers prepared for the meeting on Tuesday by council officers stated: “The electricity generation/renewable energy delivery benefits offered by development are relatively small but still of significant weight.

“It is with this in mind and that no harm to any material interest is identified that officers recommend the application should be approved subject to conditions.”

The conditions include a 25-year limit on the operational life of the turbine, and that full details of the exact location of the turbine, colour and materials to be used are submitted and approved before construction begins.

Construction work can go on to no later than 7pm Monday to Fridays and to 4pm on Saturdays and the turbine’s operation is subject to noise tests.

Any bat and bird strikes must also be reported.

At 66m the turbine will be about half the height of those built at the Low Spinney wind farm near Gilmorton or the 11 which are set to be put up near Swinford.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/16/farmland-turbine-plan-is-given-the-green-light/