July 27, 2013
England

Fresh scheme for wind turbine in countryside

Written by Leslie Jackson | Leek Post & Times | 27 July 2013 | www.leek-news.co.uk

Plans have been submitted to erect a wind turbine on the edge of a rural village.

A planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by Philip Hall to erect the turbine at Growgutter Farm in Park Lane, Ipstones.

The three bladed 50KW wind turbine would have an overall height to blade tip of 34.2 metres (112 feet). The blades would be nine metres (29 feet).

Growgutter Farm extends to approximately 300 acres and the business is based on milk production, with the applicant milking 250 dairy cows.

A design and access statement, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Bagshaws, said: “The proposal is for the installation of a 50KW wind turbine on land which is in close proximity to the main farmstead. The electricity produced will be either used at the farm or exported to the National Grid.

“Due to pressure on prices and increased competition it is vital that the farming business can benefit from the economies of trade wherever possible.

“As the farm will be able to produce electricity significantly more cheaply than the current cost of procurement, then the running costs of the farming business will be reduced.

“The proposed turbine will be sited in a field location at a ground height of approximately 290 metres on land to the north of the farmstead.

“This land is close as possible to the main farmstead and has been selected following detailed pre-application consultation with the planning authority.

“This site is considered to be the most appropriate location on land belonging to the applicant.

“There are three large communication towers situated on Ipstones Edge to the east of the proposed site. These masts on the brow are visible for a considerable distance in all directions; they are a noted feature of Ipstones Edge and the wider landscape.

“In contrast, while the wind turbine will be of similar physical height to these towers, it is proposed in a location which is set around 70 metres below the ridge line.”

The report states that while the site is close to Ipstones there is a considerable degree of natural screening which will limit the visual impact of the turbine.

Access to the development will utilise the existing access track and gateway in to the land which is used by large agricultural vehicles.

The construction’s foundation would take place over four or five days and would involve five loads of concrete.

The turbine installation would be four to six weeks later and take place over two days, which would involve two cranes.