September 25, 2013
England

Battle to protect green belt land after planning application for wind turbines close to Wirral Way

Sep 25 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News | www.wirralnews.co.uk

A planning application has been submitted for two wind turbines close to Wirral Way.

The University of Liverpool has applied to install two turbines on land between Cuckoo Lane and Woodfall Lane in Little Neston.

The structures would be at the university’s veterinary surgery Leahurst, and also includes a substation and control units.

Protesters fear the turbines would be too close to houses and Woodfall Primary School, as well as an intrusion on green belt land, destroying wildlife and disrupting local bird populations.

As reported in Wirral News in May, they feared a fresh application. It follows a previous bid which the university withdrew 12 months ago to carry out further surveys requested by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&CC). The proposal had over 300 objections.

A wildlife study took place last winter – which has attracted criticism about the period it was conducted.

Neil Heather, chair of Ness Conservation Society, says it will open the way to further development on Green Belt land if the proposal goes ahead.

He also fears the blades could stand 350feet above sea level – endangering birds, especially migration from the Dee estuary.

He said: “The new planning application is exactly the same as the last one which was withdrew last September.

“The university carried out a wildlife survey, but it was only a short one conducted over the coldest winter months where wildlife is the least active.

“They also held a presentation in Neston library about the plans, and the bulk of locals who attended objected to it.

“Feelings in the community are strongly against the plan.

“The turbines are 150ft tall. It will open the floodgates and allow them anywhere in Cheshire, which currently doesn’t any of this huge scale.

“They are noisy so will have an impact on neighbouring houses and Woodfall Primary School.”

A university spokesperson said: “Sustainability is high on the University of Liverpool’s agenda within our campus operations and our research.

“After consultation with the local authorities, we believe the wind turbines are appropriate for the environment around the Leahurst site.

“Following a public consultation event in Neston, we have resubmitted an application to Cheshire Council.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/25/battle-to-protect-green-belt-land-after-planning-application-for-wind-turbines-close-to-wirral-way/