November 22, 2012
England

Storm of disapproval at plan for 76m-tall turbine near Truro

West Briton | November 22, 2012 | www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

A tidal wave of disapproval has greeted plans for a 76m wind turbine in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Truro.

In just ten days, 114 objections have been lodged to a pre-application planning and building control advice request for the 500kW tower on farmland at Calendra, near Veryan on the Roseland.

“It’s the tip of the iceberg because many people don’t know about it,” said objector Hugh Wyndham-Smith, who lives less than half a mile from the proposed site.

Most objectors cite their concerns over the turbine’s impact on the landscape, and the potential effect on tourism, upon which the area heavily depends.

Mr Wyndham-Smith said the plan was ‘environmental vandalism’ and that as part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cornwall Council should offer locations the same legal protection as they would a national park.

He said: “At last count I could see about 28 turbines from my home. The law legally protects Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there’s no way that any planner can say a wind turbine that high doesn’t interfere with the vista of the landscape.

“I’ve got nothing against green power, but you have to balance that against the beauty of the area. I’m concerned that big industry is coming here, impacting on the landscape, with little impact on energy and a big impact on the visual beauty and on tourism.”

The closing date for comments is Tuesday, November 27.

A lone voice supporting the plan has been lodged on Cornwall Council’s planning website.

Simone Sedergreen wrote: “If we are to wean ourselves off fossil fuels then we must accept wind power as part of our green future. I do not agree that wind turbines despoil the landscape any more than pylons or telegraph poles. I would welcome wind power in the Roseland.”

The pre-application for the 50m structure, which will stretch to 76m with its blades, was submitted in October by Tim Dart on behalf of the landowners.

He said: “It’s important to say it is only a pre-application.

“We wanted to have a chat with the planners to see what their views were and then talk to the local community about where we take it, and if we take it anywhere. We’re right at the start of the process and we’re not looking to be aggressive.”

Cornwall Council said it was unable to comment on any planning application or request for pre- application advice. Any advice given did not indicate a formal decision, although the advice given was considered with any planning application.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/22/storm-of-disapproval-at-plan-for-76m-tall-turbine-near-truro/