May 23, 2013
England

Officers throw out turbine plans

West Briton | May 23, 2013 | www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

Cornwall Council has refused permission for a 62-metre wind turbine on farmland at Stithians.

London-based Windberry Energy Ltd wanted to build the turbine, with associated infrastructure and access track, at Pencoose Farm.

When the plans first came to light more than a year ago, local people set up an action group to fight the proposal.

They claimed the structure would be “the height of Truro Cathedral” and “a blot on the landscape”.

It would be visible across the village, adversely affect property prices and negatively impact the tourist trade.

Cornwall Council’s planning department received 71 letters of objection and five in support.

Both Gwennap and Stithians parish councils refused to support the application.

The planning application was due to be considered by the west sub-area planning committee on Monday, June 3, but was turned down this week under delegated powers.

Planning officers concluded: “The proposed development, by virtue of its size, scale and location, would have a significant adverse landscape and visual impact, including an adverse impact on the setting of the Church of St Stedian, which is a grade two listed building, in addition to dominating and adversely affecting the local landscape and the setting of the adjacent Area of Great Landscape Value and adding to the existing impact of tall, man-made structures.”

Cornwall councillor Mark Kaczmarek, who represents Carharrack and Gwennap, said: “Following my discussions with planning officers dealing with the case, it will not now go to the west area planning committee.

“It has, I am pleased to say, been refused under delegated powers.

“I have asked for a letter to be sent out informing all of those who had taken the time to write in to object or support the application just in case they were going to attend the meeting.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/23/officers-throw-out-turbine-plans/