December 9, 2011
England

Darwen residents’ fury at wind turbine plans

By Dan Clough, Reporter, The Citizen, www.blackburncitizen.co.uk 9 December 2011

People living in a picturesque part of Darwen have reacted furiously to plans for a large wind turbine close to their homes.

An 88.5m-high turbine has been proposed at the top of Cranberry Lane, and people in the area have launched a campaign against it.

If it goes ahead, the structure would be three metres taller than the India Mill chimney.

A leaflet bringing people’s attention to the plans says: “This is an area of outstanding scenery and is enjoyed by many local Darwen residents and walkers.”

The campaign is being led by Cranberry Fold Court resident Martin Vizzard, who said his home would only be 365 metres from the new turbine.

He said: “I have lived in Darwen for 25 years and I love the beautiful spaces and distinctive character the town has.

“We got a letter from Blackburn with Darwen Council telling us about it and we are not happy. Everybody around here is unhappy about it.”

The application has been submitted by Mrs E Gott, of Pleasant View Farm, in Bolton Road, Bull Hill.

Coun Frank Connor, who represents the Marsh House ward, where the turbine would be situated, is also against the proposal.

He said: “I think it’s far too high. It will generate far too much energy to just keep the farm up there going.

“I’m not against turbines. When I go up to Scotland I see a lot of them and I don’t mind them. But the one up there will dominate the skyline and generate a tremendous amount of noise.”

Coun Phil Jones, also for Marsh House, said: “Alternative energy is something we need to embrace, but not at the cost of people around us.”

Town councillor Brenda Cronshaw also had concerns.

She said: “All wind turbines should be in the sea, instead of ruining the landscape.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/12/09/darwen-residents-fury-at-wind-turbine-plans/