October 4, 2013
England

Fears over impact of wind turbines on Shropshire landscape

Shropshire Star | October 4, 2013 | www.shropshirestar.com

Anti-windfarm campaigners say the number of turbine applications in the planning system threatens hundreds of homeowners and the future of Shropshire’s rural landscape.

Members of the Stop Bridgnorth Wind Farm campaign say there are currently plans for eight industrial-sized wind turbines which would be concentrated within an area of a few square miles.

They say they are alarmed by the speed at which applications have emerged and that the beauty of the area is under threat.

Campaign member Tim Morris, who lives at Underton, said: “We are reaching a tipping point where the future of our treasured landscape in the area is in the balance.

“The first application to be submitted was for two 80m turbines at Meadowley, near Upton Cressett.

“Since then there have been other applications, one for an 86metre (282 feet) turbine at The Down and another for two 45m (147feet) turbines at Middleton Priors. In addition, proposals have been submitted to the council for two 47m turbines at Chetton, and another 65m (213foot) machine at Upton Cressett.

“What’s so worrying to those of us who value this beautiful area of Shropshire is the speed with which these applications have emerged.

“The vast majority have been submitted over the summer.

“The applications are concentrated in a small area with alarming prospects for those living nearby.”

Mr Morris said the residents in villages such as Chetton, Underton, Criddon and The Down would be living in the shadow of multiple turbines.

He said: “Local people feel the proposed sites are inappropriate for wind turbines and do not want these structures in the community.

“That has been made very clear by the votes at parish council level, which have been almost unanimous.”

Mr Morris added: “We just hope the planning department at county council level listens to the voice of the community and doesn’t allow this beautiful and unspoilt part of Shropshire to be scarred forever.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/04/fears-over-impact-of-wind-turbines-on-shropshire-landscape/