| Wind Watch is a registered educational charity, founded in 2005. |
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and English Heritage object to Kelda Water plans
Credit: Craven Herald & Pioneer, www.cravenherald.co.uk 29 December 2011 ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Two influential bodies have lodged strong objections to Kelda Water’s latest plan to erect replacement wind turbines at Chelker Reservoir.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and English Heritage both say the scheme to erect two 75m turbines at the site between Addingham and Draughton would seriously harm the natural beauty of the area.
It is the water company’s third attempt to get planning permission to replace the existing four 45m high turbines, which are obsolete.
Craven District Council rejected a scheme for two 125-metre turbines in 2009 and Kelda withdrew a second planning application for three 80-metre structures this year.
The firm claims its latest application addresses previous concerns by reducing the height and number of turbines and moving them 65 metres to the south east, away from road access and nearby properties.
But the national park says the proposed structures would still be clearly visible from several vantage points, including historic Bolton Abbey, just 2.5 kilometres away.
In a report to the planning committee, Richard Graham, head of development management, said: “The landscape will not absorb significant intrusions without damaging the quality and enjoyment of the national park.
“It is considered that the proposed turbines are of such a scale that they will dominate and tame the expanse of the landscape and, as such, the eye will be drawn to them as an incongruous and dominating feature, thereby ruining the enjoyment of the natural beauty of this upland landscape.”
Mr Graham also argued the application failed to demonstrate that there were environmental, social or economic benefits that would outweigh or adequately mitigate the harm to nationally-important assets.
His comments are echoed by English Heritage.
In its representation, team leader Neil Redfern said the proposed turbines would harm the setting and significance of Bolton Abbey Priory and the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert.
“Indeed, it is our view that the opportunity should be explored to secure the removal of the existing outdated turbines… which would enhance the setting of the priory site,” he added.
The application is expected to go before Craven’s planning committee in the new year, possibly as early as next month.
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
| Wind Watch relies entirely on User Funding |
 (via Stripe) |
 (via Paypal) |
Share:
[ Short URL: https://wind-watch.org/news/?p=17152 ]
