February 16, 2012
England

Fears over turbine plan for farmland

Harborough Mail, www.harboroughmail.co.uk 16 February 2012

Concerns were raised over plans to build a 100-metre high wind turbine just over a mile from Welford.

German firm Prowind wants to erect the structure on land off Elkington Road south of Welford between the village and the A14.

The firm says the turbine – on land owned by the Wyggeston Hospital Estate – would create enough electricity to power 339 homes.

But during a meeting of Welford Parish Council’s planning committee on Wednesday last week, villagers expressed concern over the plans.

The site is about 1.7km from the village of Welford, but just 6-700m from the nearest homes.

About 20 people attended the meeting at the village hall, raising a range of concerns.

Nigel Brotherton, of the parish council, said that, if built, the turbine would dominate the skyline for many village residents.

“It’s a single 550kw turbine so concern was expressed about the fact that it wouldn’t generate sufficient power to warrant its erection,” said Cllr Brotherton.

Horseriders raised questions over the access road to the site, which is a bridleway.

And traffic movements down the road during the construction phase of the development were also a cause for concern.

The council also raised objections that Prowind had not followed Daventry District Council’s planning guidelines, by failing to notify them before submitting their application.

To view it, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk, click on planning search, and type DA/2012/00026.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/16/fears-over-turbine-plan-for-farmland/