August 22, 2012
England

Hundreds of objections opposing plans to build two wind turbines in Wirral

by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News | www.wirralnews.co.uk 22 August 2012

Hundreds of objections were received against plans to build two wind turbines in Neston.

The University of Liverpool wants to install them on land between Cuckoo Lane and Woodfall Lane, close to the Wirral Way.

The path, which stretches from West Kirby to Hooton, is popular with dog walkers, families, cyclists and horse riders.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&CC) received over 300 objections.

Locals are protesting the plans as they fear the turbines could scare horses being ridden along the bridle way.

Conservationists warn it will destroy wildlife and disrupt local bird populations.

The closing date for consultations on the proposals had been July 24 but with objections so strong CW&CC pushed it back to August 9.

Yesterday was the earliest date by which planning officers were due to put together their findings.

Neil Heather, chair of Ness Conservation Society, said all 100 members had sent in letters of objection.

He said: “I object on the basis that the project fails because it only benefits the applicant and has no wider environmental benefit.

“The amount of electricity generated is only for their use, so small it would be impossible to measure any wider environmental benefit.

“The blades could stand 350feet above sea level which will be a danger to birds, especially as this side of Wirral is a migration route for birds from the Dee estuary.

“The university must have known it would be controversial regarding the green belt land.”

Neston Town Council have recommended to reject the proposal under the grounds it is an inappropriate site for the turbines; they would be out of character with the local environment; and the expected noise levels would be unacceptable to nearby neighbours.

The university said they did look at the location and liaised with CW&CC prior to proceeding with the planning application.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/22/hundreds-of-objections-opposing-plans-to-build-two-wind-turbines-in-wirral/