September 5, 2013
England

Wind farm ‘Trojan horse’ concerns

Published on the 05 September 2013 thestar.co.uk

Residents fear plans for a single 79-metre wind turbine in South Yorkshire countryside could be a ‘Trojan horse’ and lead to further schemes.

Members of Protect Sheephouse Heights campaign group successfully battled plans for five wind turbines at the site between Stocksbridge and Penistone four years ago.

But a new application has been made for a single turbine at Sheephouse Farm, Mortimer Road, Penistone.

The application also includes a proposal for a 60-metre meteorological mast which would stand for two years.

Barnsley Council is asking public bodies for their views. Sheffield Council planning board voted not to object to the scheme after its planning officers said the turbine would ‘not dominate views’ or cause ‘significant harm’ to the area.

The decision disappointed members of Protect Sheephouse Heights.

Alan Hey, a member of the campaign, and from Penistone, said: “We are not happy with the decision by Sheffield Council – they should have waited to see the response from Stocksbridge Town Council and for more community consultation.”

Paul Grooby, a fellow member of the group, said: “This turbine could be a Trojan horse – acting as a precedent which would mean more turbines in the area.”

Barbara Horsman, of Stocksbridge Community Forum, said: “We’re worried it could be the first of many turbines.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/05/wind-farm-trojan-horse-concerns/