Campaigners ‘sickened’ as windfarm developers launch planning appeal
Credit: Rossendale Free Press, menmedia.co.uk 18 May 2012 ~~
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Campaigners fear a wind farm in Weir may go ahead after developers lodged an appeal.
The plans to build four 34.2 metre high turbines at land off Scar End Farm were unanimously rejected by Rossendale council’s development control committee in February.
But The Green Company has now lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate.
Tony Glaser, of campaigning group War On Weir Wind Farm fears the appeal has a good chance of succeeding.
He said: “We were over the moon – now we’re sick as parrots.
“It has a very good chance of succeeding because local planning officers originally recommended approval.
“It would be a sad day for local democracy if the wishes of a whole community, and the unanimous decision of the councillors serving them, were to be overruled by faceless bureaucrats.”
The plans sparked heated debate and passionate protests by the campaigning group and 340 residents objected.
The committee ruled that the turbines would have an unacceptable visual and ecological impact and would overlook houses as close as 350 metres away , leading to possible noise and shadow flicker disturbance.
It also decided the cumulative effect could lead to a ‘wind farm landscape’.
Mr Glaser – whose house on Irwell Springs would overlook the wind farm – is urging residents to write to the inspectorate or lodge objections by visiting:
www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/appeals/online/search and searching for reference number: APP/B2355/A/12/2173253.
He added: “People need to get their objections in by May 22.
“Our views matter. It’s not just about big business and central government, it’s about people – ordinary people.
“David Cameron wants to give more power to local communities. Where’s our power now?”
Roy Amner, development manager for The Green Company, confirmed an appeal had been lodged.
He said: “During the planning process we took comments from the council’s planners and revised the application with these in mind.
“The planning officer had recommended the application for approval but it was turned down on lines which were not mentioned within the officers’ report which is why we are bringing to appeal.”
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