February 21, 2013
England

University of Nottingham’s plans for 126-metre wind turbines thrown out

By Alexander Britton | Nottingham Post | February 21, 2013 | www.thisisnottingham.co.uk

Plans for a pair of 126-metre high wind turbines next to the River Trent have been turned down.

The turbines, off Lenton Lane, Lenton, were two of three proposed by the University of Nottingham.

The other, next to the River Trent in Beeston Rylands, was refused permission in October last year.

Nearly 500 people responded to a consultation on the plans, with 207 in support and 269 against, with the main concerns being noise, the view, and the impact on wildlife.

The plans were unanimously turned down by Nottingham City Council’s planning committee yesterday after planners recommended refusal.

Chris Gibson, Clifton South councillor, said he supported the idea of using greener sources of energy, but opposed the turbines.

He said: “This is a difficult one – it’s been around for two years and we have given it some serious thought.

“My view is that the recommendations on the report, especially refusal on grounds of air safety, is something I can support.”

The council’s development management team has recommended the plans be turned down for four reasons:

The development would impact on a future residential site identified in housing plans

The impact on East Midlands Airport’s radar – turbines can cause ‘clutter’ on radar screens which can be mistaken as other aircraft

It would be “overbearing”

It would have a “detrimental impact” on sport in the area.

Roger Steel, Clifton North councillor, said: “East Midlands Airport raised an objection – one of the main flight paths to the airport goes along the river where the turbines are planned to be and they believe the safety of air travel could be compromised.

“They are overwhelming for the area and this site is a green lung next to the industry in Lenton.

“There are also housing plans as part of the core strategy which could see the turbine only a couple of hundred metres away from where homes could be built.”

Councillor Mick Edwards raised the issue of the university appealing against the committee’s decision, as it has done in Broxtowe.

He said: “We have to be clear in our objections – the plans for houses nearby, the impact on the radar at the airport – in case the university want to fight this.”

Jo Francis, 67, of Clifton, lives near to the proposed turbine site and was pleased with the decision.

She said: “It is a weight off our shoulders really – it didn’t make sense to let these massive turbines be built.”

A spokesman for the university said it would be considering the outcome of the planning committee and make a decision about a potential appeal in due course.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/21/university-of-nottinghams-plans-for-126-metre-wind-turbines-thrown-out/