March 14, 2013
England

Councillors say no to Litlington windfarm plans

Written by LUCY ROSS-MILLAR | Royston Weekly News | 13 March 2013 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk

A windfarm in Litlington would ruin Royston’s skyline, according to councillors.

Plans to install five 100m wind turbines on land at Highfield Farm, west of Royston Road, have been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Councillors objected to the plans at a meeting of Royston Town Council’s planning committee on Monday.

Cllr John Davison, who represents the town’s Heath Ward, said the turbines would “dominate” the skyline.

He said: “According to their documents the proposed site is just one km from the top of Therfield Heath and one mile from the western boundary of Royston.

“They would dominate the view from the heath looking north.

“No one wants wind farms in their back gardens due to the appearance and the noise both during the day and the night.

“This would affect Royston residents.

“If someone was proposing to build turbines within a mile of Cambridge what would the response be?”

The plans also include a 60m tower meteorological mast and an on-site substation.

Cllr Martin Beaver, who represents Royston’s Palace Ward, said although he supports renewable energy, this site was the “wrong spot”.

He said: “I love windfarms, I think they are very nice but I don’t like this one.

“We need renewable energy but I think this one is in the wrong spot.”

A spokesman for South Cambs confirmed the application had been submitted.

He said: “The Litlington windfarm application is a very detailed planning application and is currently being evaluated.

“The developers have supplied us with additional information on noise, landscaping and cultural heritage issues and we have consulted further with experts in these areas.

“We expect that the application will be considered by our planning committee within the next two months.”

In contrast to the views expressed by the majority of other town councillors on Monday evening, Cllr Elizabeth Freeman said she is in favour of wind farms and supports the plans.

She said: “I have looked at the plans and I don’t object to the site. I don’t think the plans are insensitive.”

Cllr Marguerite Phillips said after speaking to Litlington residents, it was clear they weren’t in favour of the windfarm.

She said: “I would not support it because I think this town council are here to represent the people and the people of Litlington don’t want it.”

Chairman of Royston Town Council’s finance committee, Cllr Bob Smith, 
said: “I object on environmental grounds.

“I don’t think there is an ecological justification for building just five wind turbines.”

For further information visit the planning section at www.scambs.gov.uk or www.roystontowncouncil.gov.uk, or call (01763) 245484.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/14/councillors-say-no-to-litlington-windfarm-plans/