September 13, 2012
England

Ramblers concerned over wind turbine application

by LESLIE JACKSON | Leek Post & Times | www.leek-news.co.uk 13 September 2012

Proposals have been put forward to erect a wind turbine in an area on the edge of Leek which is highly popular with walkers.

A planning application has been submitted by J D Pickford and Sons to erect a 50KW turbine at Kniveden Farm, Mount Road, Leek.

The three bladed turbine would have an overall height to the tip of the blade of 34.2 metres (112 feet).

A design and access statement has been forwarded with the planning application by Bagshaws Land and Property Agents on behalf of the applicant.

The report states: “There will be no impact on any residential properties or any loss of visual amenity “

It should be noted that the proposed wind turbine will be significantly smaller than the telecommunication tower situated on the top of the hill overlooking Leek, which is in close proximity to the proposed turbine location.

In addition to being significantly smaller than the telecommunication tower it will also be sited at a substantially lower elevation.”

“This is an existing farming business and therefore development to sustain an existing unit should be supported.”

Chairman of Leek Ramblers group, Richard Benefer, said: “The area is used by a lot of walkers, so we could have some concerns with it.

“We are going to look at the proposals fully and the exact location where the turbine is planned.”

Bagshaw states that the applicant’s farm is approximately 1,000 acres with the primary enterprises being dairy, beef and lamb production.

The reports adds: “In the current agricultural climate, any investment and opportunity to generate efficiencies is considered especially vital to ensure a sustainable rural economy.

“Due to pressure on prices and increased competition it is vital that the farming business can benefit from the economies of trade wherever possible

“The proposed scheme will help to generate significant saving in electricity costs and this will help to support and sustain the existing farming enterprise. The applicant current electricity bill is in the region of £10,000 per annum.”

Alternative locations were considered to the south and west of the farmhouse and building, but these were discounted due to issues that would be create in terms of the visual impact in particular, and the closer proximity to both residential properties and views from the A523 the report adds.

It was also noted that the proposed location had been kept away from potential ecological, bird and bat habitats.

The planning application will be determined by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council within the next few weeks.