February 16, 2013
England

Residents rally at ‘shock’ plans

16 February 2013 | Lancashire Evening Post | www.lep.co.uk

A meeting has been arranged by campaigners battling plans for two 34.2m wind turbines in a Chorley village.

Clive Hurt (Plant Hire) Ltd has submitted an application for the two structures at the Great Knowley and Gorse Hall Quarry on Blackburn Road in Whittle-le-Woods.

It is understood that the application aims to generate electricity for the local area.

Members of the Great Knowley and Blackburn Road Residents’ Association have called a meeting on February 21 at 8pm at the St Peter’s Parish Club, on Eaves Lane, Chorley, for people concerned about the scheme to have their say.

Leaflets have been circulated to the surrounding area to try to rally support.

John Harrison, chairman of the residents’ association, said: “We have got about 300 households which are going to be affected and we have invited everyone along by posting leaflets.

“We are shocked by the application which has come out of the blue.

“But it was even worse when we realised another one had been submitted in the summer last year and was withdrawn without us really knowing. Our concern is that the Government does not give any guidance on their position so close to human habitation.

“It is close to Blackburn Road, Ewell Close and Guildford Avenue so the residents are concerned about it.

“The turbines will be pretty prominent from the M61 junction and overlook most of Chorley.

“However we have been told that the view is not a criteria for refusal.”

Graham Tarney, who lives in Great Knowley, says he will have to wake up every morning to the sight of the turbines from his back garden.

He said: “I live on the top of a hill and you will be able to see them from almost anywhere in Chorley.

“They will look like Blackpool Tower – but a damn site uglier!

“It’s in my garden almost and they will dominate the skyline.”

The application has been submitted by agents Passam Developments on behalf of Clive Hurt Ltd.

No one from Clive Hurt Ltd was available to comment.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/16/residents-rally-at-shock-plans/