September 7, 2012
England

MP raps farmer after U-turn on turbines

The Garstang Courier | www.garstangcourier.co.uk 6 September 2012

The man who opposed the construction of Dewlay wind turbine but who now wants an even bigger turbine on neighbouring farm land has been criticised by MP Ben Wallace.

The Wyre MP has joined protestors in opposing the 130m high turbine at Cross House Farm, next to the Dewlay cheese base.

The plans are due to be decided this afternoon (Wednesday) with the most likely outcome being rejection based on objections from the Ministry of Defence.

In his submission to the council, Mr Wallace says applicant Robert Parkinson, of Cross House Farm, Kirkland, had earlier opposed Dewlay’s turbine plans on grounds of visual impact, as he considered they would a distraction to motorists and because of the possible impact on wildlife.

Mr Wallace says: “He saw the negative impact a wind turbine would have on an area and, yet, is now proposing a taller turbine on his property.”

The MP adds he is concerned about turbines springing up in an “ad hoc” way.

Wyre planning committee is being urged by officials to reject the new scheme because of MoD worries that it will interfere with sensitive radar equipment at Warton aerodrome.

Objections have also been received from nine members of the public, Garstang Town Council and parish councils at Catterall and Kirkland.

Responding to Mr Wallace’s comments Nicola Mortimer, spokeswoman for Wind Direct, the Lancaster company behind the Cross House plan and the construction of the Dewlay turbine said: “The Parkinsons were among other people in the local area who initially objected to the Dewlay wind turbine.

“This is not surprising given the Dewlay turbine was the first proposed of its size in the area, therefore many people were concerned about how it would look in the landscape.

“The fear of how a wind turbine will look and sound is often far greater than reality and the response to Dewlay has gone from one of concern to overwhelmingly positive today.”

Commenting on the objection to the Cross House Farm plan from the Ministry of Defence, Miss Mortimer said: “The MOD initially objected to the Dewlay wind turbine and subsequently withdrew their objection when Dewlay was in the planning system.

“The Dewlay wind turbine can be seen on the Warton radar under certain meteorological conditions (as can any large metal object).

“Unlike an aircraft the Dewlay turbine does not move location, which allows the air traffic controllers to easily identify the wind turbine.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/07/mp-raps-farmer-after-u-turn-on-turbines/