January 18, 2013
England

Stithians’ councillors vote not to support wind turbine application

January 18, 2013 | www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

Stithians’ councillors cannot support plans for a wind turbine in the parish “at this time”.

They have decided to ask Cornwall Council to hold a site meeting before considering the application, and to ensure the planning committee, not officers, makes the final decision.

About 60 residents packed into Tuesday’s meeting to hear details of the application for a 62m wind turbine at Pencoose Farm by Windbury Energy Ltd.

The proposal also includes the widening of existing entrance, the creation of a new access track and the construction of an equipment housing cabinet.

Parish council chairman Peter Tisdale raised concerns about the proximity of two properties, both operating in the leisure industry.

He said: “We are concerned that noise emissions from the site could have serious adverse effects, not only on the viability of these two businesses, along with the subsequent financial loss to local businesses in the village, but also on the occupants’ enjoyment of their properties.”

He also warned about the potential visual impact of the turbine, which would be “highly visible, towering above St Stythians Church”.

It would be seen from as far away as Rame, Longdowns, Carland Cross and St Agnes Beacon.

He suggested a balloon should be flown for two weeks on the site at the height of the proposed turbine to give an accurate impression of the potential visual impact.

He said: “This is not a development for personal use, but a commercial undertaking.

“The benefits to local people are zero and the damage to their local environment far outweighs any perceived benefit that this development could ever realise.”

Cornwall Council has received more than 40 letters objecting to the application and three in support of it.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/18/stithians-councillors-vote-not-to-support-wind-turbine-application/