July 13, 2013
England

Turbine would be a ‘blot on landscape’

Rutland & Stamford Mercury | 13 July 2013 | www.stamfordmercury.co.uk

Villagers are preparing to fight new plans for a wind turbine in open countryside which they fear will become a blot on the landscape.

Residents of Stretton are worried about the impact the 213ft structure would have on views of the area if it is given planning permission.

The plans have been submitted to Rutland County Council by Walker and Sons Hauliers, based in Tuxford near Newark. The turbine would be put up on land near the junction of the A1 and the B668.

Julian Lessey, of The Old School, Stretton, said: “The plans are for a wind turbine that would dwarf Nelson’s Column.

“It’s a big turbine on high ground which is widely visible and would be a blot on the landscape for a wide area.”

Managing director of Walker and Sons Hauliers, Richard Walker, believes the benefits of providing wind power outweigh the possible impact on countryside views.

He said: “We have got a turbine at Tuxford which is quite a lot bigger than the one proposed and we had the same response from people, but most of them now realise that we have to look different types of energy.

“As turbines go, the one proposed at Stretton isn’t particularly big and the location is good because it is fairly flat land where you get a decent wind speed.”

Stretton parish council discussed the plans at a meeting on Wednesday. Coun Brian McCairm said members voted unanimously to oppose the plans.

He added: “There was an exceptional turnout. I don’t think I have seen that many people at a parish council meeting before.”

Earlier this year a test turbine at Woolfox Depot was approved on appeal. The county council initially refused permission after objections from residents.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/13/turbine-would-be-a-blot-on-landscape/