March 12, 2012
England

Stretton, Clipsham and Pickworth residents unite to fight wind farm

Rutland Times, www.rutland-times.co.uk 12 March 2012

Villagers are planning to set up an action group against plans for a proposed wind farm.

Residents are disappointed that SSE Renewables has been given permission by the Planning Inspectorate to install a temporary 80m high mast on land near Woolfox airfield, between Stretton, Clipsham and Pickworth.

SSE Renewables plans to keep the mast in place for up to two years to measure wind speeds before deciding whether a plan for 22 130m high wind turbines on the site is viable.

Residents had already set up a steering group to voice their opposition but now plan to become an action group so they can raise funds for an expert to carry out independent environmental surveys.

Miles Williamson-Noble, a member of the steering group, said: “We feel that Rutland needs to look at this across the border before it gets inundated with planning applications for windfarms.”

He described the proposed windfarm as “the wrong number of turbines, the wrong size and the wrong place”.

Mr Williamson-Noble said the group would be prepared to fight, if a planning application is put forward.

He added: “If and when a proposal comes forward for a windfarm, we will outline our specific objections.

“But the action group will mean everyone in Rutland will be aware of the proposals for a massive windfarm, as we believe there needs to be better awareness.”

Rutland County Council refused permission in May last year for the temporary mast, citing policy grounds and the impact on the landscape and character of the area as grounds for turning it down.

But the planning inspector said the mast was “slender and of low visual weight”, which would mean “it is not highly intrusive in the landscape”.

He also said the proposal was “not for a windfarm and does not set a precedent as such”.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/12/stretton-clipsham-and-pickworth-residents-unite-to-fight-wind-farm/