August 16, 2013
England

Joy as wind turbine plans near Bridgnorth are thrown out

Shropshire Star | August 15, 2013 | www.shropshirestar.com

Controversial plans for a 24- metre wind turbine near Bridgnorth have been thrown out after a planning inspector ruled it would harm the local landscape.

It follows a two-year battle over the plans to put up the turbine at the Old Hall Barn in Kenley, between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth.

Residents who campaigned against the plans today hailed the decision as a victory for people power after they successfully challenged a decision to give the proposals the go-ahead in the High Court last year.

Gavin Lloyd had wanted to build the turbine to provide energy at his home and farm, while it was also intended the equipment would power holiday let accommodation at the property.

The application was first made in June 2011 and was refused by Shropshire Council in September that year.

Mr Lloyd appealed and in March 2012 was given the go-ahead for the scheme by a planning inspector.

But that decision was then quashed in the High Court last December, resulting in a new inspection being ordered.

The findings of the second inspector David Rose were today published by The Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Rose said the three-blade turbine would have been able to generate 25,000kWh of energy in a year. But he said its benefits were outweighed by the harmful effects of the turbine on the look and character of the local area.

“Such benefits would only be achieved by causing a very serious loss to the overall character of the landscape and comparable visual harm to the appearance of the landscape from nearby public vantages,” he said.

“Whilst the landscape does not have special status or protection, the combination of these elements, which could not be mitigated, would be of sufficient magnitude to convincingly tip the balance away from granting planning permission.”

Resident Paul Jarrett was delighted with the decision. He said the decision to fight the case in the High Court could have personally cost him £40,000 if the original inspector’s ruling had been upheld.

“The bottom line is that it is unsuitable for the surroundings. That is what we have been saying for years,” he said.

Mr Lloyd could not be reached for comment today.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/16/joy-as-wind-turbine-plans-near-bridgnorth-are-thrown-out/