April 12, 2012
England

Turbine plan sparks dozens of objections

By Gareth Jones, North-West Evening Mail, www.nwemail.co.uk 12 April 2012

A host of objections have been made against plans to build a large wind turbine near Barrow.

But members of Barrow Borough Council are being recommended to grant planning for the turbine at Newholme Farm, in Rampside Road.

The proposal for the 45.5m structure is set to be discussed by the council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

Applicant Phillip Pearson has submitted plans to build the turbine to contribute electricity to the National Grid.

In a statement prepared for the applicant, agent Sally Bowdler, from CMS UK, said: “Careful consideration has been taken to site the wind turbine, ensuring the positioning will not cause any significant detriment to the landscape or wildlife in the area, but also ensuring the siting of the turbine is in an area that maximises the potential energy capture from the ‘clean’ wind available across the site.”

But more than 30 letters of objection have been received by the council, and concerns raised include the noise of the turbine, the effect it will have on birds and bats and the visual effect it will have on the area.

Centrica, the company which runs the gas terminal at nearby Roosecote, has also lodged an objection.

The company has been in talks with CMS UK over fears the turbine will interfere with its helipad but they have failed to reach an agreement.

A statement prepared for Centrica said: “Centrica Plc operate a helipad located approximately 1km away to the north-west of the proposed wind turbine.

“This helipad is a vital component of Centrica’s infrastructure, serving gas rigs night and day off the coast of Cumbria.

“It should be stressed that while Centrica Plc are pro-wind development, this particular scheme is considered to adversely affect the helipad operation.”

But council planning officer Jason Hipkiss has recommended planning permission be granted, subject to 10 conditions including fitting a beacon for aircraft on the top of the structure.

He concludes: “The area has no natural environmental designation, nor does it receive special protection in the development plan.

“In addition it is within sight of an area allocated as being of ‘least constraint’ for wind energy projects.”

A final decision will be made at the meeting of the planning committee at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/12/turbine-plan-sparks-dozens-of-objections/