July 28, 2013
England

Windfarm still opposed

Morpeth Herald | 28/07/2013 | www.morpethherald.co.uk

Town councillors have strengthened their objections to a bid for turbines at Tranwell.

Morpeth Town Council has previously voiced opposition to plans by Wind Ventures to erect four turbines, 126metres tall, at the former Tranwell Airfield.

Now the applicant has reduced the height of the turbines by 11m, but members of the town’s Planning and Transport Committee say concerns remain and they will strengthen their objections, particularly over plans to use the A197 for construction traffic.

Coun David Parker said: “I know a lot of people are concerned about the impact on the A197 and B6524 from this proposed development. I can’t see anything about that in this revised application.

“I don’t think they should be using those roads and they are even applying to remove the pedestrian crossing. I think it is an outrageous suggestion for them to use the A197 and B6524.”

Coun Ken Brown added: “One of the things I recall is that we asked for a demonstration of what the turbines would look like so we could assess how visible they would be around the town. Until we get that demonstration we can’t assess what the impact of the size really is.”

However, Coun David Clark said: “We are supposed to be in favour of renewables. It seems fine as long as it is somewhere else. I think Tranwell Airfield would be as good a place as any to put turbines. Visually, we are about three-and-a-half miles away so we’re not going to see much of it and there is not a great deal happening up there.”

The committee decided to strengthen its objections, which also include concerns about impact on tourism, noise and grid connections.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/28/windfarm-still-opposed/