July 11, 2012
England

Councillors say no to wind turbine at ice-cream firm in Barkisland

Halifax Courier | www.halifaxcourier.co.uk 11 July 2012

A bid to build a wind turbine feared to be “one of the biggest in Calderdale” at an ice-cream firm and farm has been refused by councillors.

The turbine on a 50m-high mast at Gosling Lane in Barkisland would have provided power for Hazel Slack Farm and Just Jenny’s ice-cream business.

The applicant said the turbine would help reduce their carbon footprint, meet increasing environmental standards and ensure the viability of the milk production and ice-cream business

The proposal attracted 33 letters of objection and 15 letters of support.

A meeting of Calderdale Council’s planning committee heardthe applicant’s agent say the turbine would be half the height of a commercial turbine and in a location where there are already electricity pylons and overhead telephone cables.

Councillor Robert Thornber (Ryburn, Cons) spoke in favour of the bid, saying the turbine would help a business facing falling milk prices.

But in a statement read to the committee, Councillor Geraldine Carter ( Ryburn, Cons) claimed the turbine would be “a massive eyesore”.

“This would be one of the biggest wind turbines in Calderdale.,” she said. “It will be monstrous.”

Planning committee member Councillor Stephen Baines (Norothowram and Shelf, Cons) said he had sympathy with the business but thought the turbine would harm the visual amenity of the area.

Councillor Martin Peel (Soweerby Bridge, Cons) said: “I think renewable energy is the way forward but this would be huge. It’s the size, it’s just too big.” The committee voted to refuse the application.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/11/councillors-say-no-to-wind-turbine-at-ice-cream-firm-in-barkisland/