April 9, 2012
England

Objection to wind farm plan

Peterlee Star, www.peterleestar.co.uk 9 April 2012

A councillor has sent his official letter of objection regarding plans for a five-turbine wind farm.

Durham county councillor Rob Crute has sent the letter to Grant Folley, a senior planning officer at Durham County Council, voicing concerns about plans by EDF Energy Renewables wanting to build wind turbines at Sheraton, off the A19.

In the letter, Coun Crute, who represents the Blackhall ward, says he feels the visual impact the 350ft structures will have on communities will be unacceptable and that the development undermines the openness of the area.

He adds that the area he represents has reached “saturation point” in terms of approvals for wind farm planning applications and that there is no clearly defined benefit for local residents.

The Labour councillor also cites detrimental effects on wildlife, especially to coastal and inland birds, as well as brown hares, bats and badgers that live on the site.

Other complaints include noise nuisance, shadow flicker, the impact of the turbines on aircraft using the flight path above the development and concerns from local businesses worried about the closure of footpaths and roads during the construction period of the development.

He adds: “I can confirm that, apart from holding a series of public meetings to gauge public opinion, I have met with residents, all local parish councils, residents’ associations and other interested parties within my county ward and I have yet to receive any positive support for the planning application submitted by EDF.”

EDF has previously said the majority of residents who attended public meetings last year had expressed their support for the plans.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/09/objection-to-wind-farm-plan/