December 22, 2012
England

Anger as turbine given green light

Written by Leslie Jackson | Leek Post & Times | 22 December 2012 | www.leek-news.co.uk

A leading councillor has accused his own authority of “making a mess of the Moorlands” as a second wind turbine was given the green light in one of the most prominent locations in the district.

Stephen Ellis, chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and a member of its planning committee, made the remarks during a debate on an application to erect a 34.2-metre (112ft) turbine at Garstones Farm on Morridge Top, near Onecote.

The area already has a turbine at Slate House Farm, which had previously been approved by the planning committee.

Mr Ellis said: “I do not like the turbine next door to the one being proposed. It is obtrusive and I can see it in Cheadle.

“I know a lot of people in the area who said they were appalled when the last one was approved.” Councillor Mike Worthington said that the county council was against turbines as they were changing the landscape of the area.

“The county council states they should be off-shore. They are visually intrusive.

“Until the government stops funding these obtrusive monstrosities they will continue.”

However, Councillor John Fisher said: “The turbines have got to be built where there is wind and I do not find then obtrusive.” Councillor Linda Malyon said the applicant, Alan Swancott, had done everything required of him.

She said: “This is a proven business and there are 10 jobs. Also there is already a turbine next door.”

Joe Swancott, who attended the meeting to support the applicant, said: “The last year has been difficult.

“When you read the papers, an Ipstones firm is leaving the Moorlands with 70 jobs and a Waterhouses firm is threatening to leave.

“We have had no objections and have changed the site to make it less intrusive. We have lived and worked on Morridge for 30 years.

“Any profit will go back into the business and family, as we want the next generation to survive on Morridge for many more years.”

Seven councillors voted to support the application, while six voted to reject it.