October 6, 2013
England

Protesters raise concerns over wind turbine plan

Derbyshire Times | 06 October 2013 | /www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Campaigners fear a proposed wind turbine plan will become a noisy eyesore and a threat to their neighbourhood’s heritage sites.

Community-driven Mick Bagshaw, Paul Mann and Ruth Perry, of the Staveley Independents group, have outlined concerns about Energy Prospects Co-operative’s planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council for a turbine off Tom Lane, between Inkersall and Duckmanton.

The group issued a newsletter outlining residents’ concerns that the turbine will be noisy, ruin views, affect Poolsbrook Country Park and nearby heritage sites, impact on wildlife and not provide local benefits.

Staveley Independent Mr Mann said: “I’m not against renewable energy but there does not seem to have been a widely known public consultation process allowing residents to raise these concerns.”

The application is for an 84metre high turbine with a 60metre high hub and 48metre rotors and the council explained this has been publicised with three site notices and a public notice advert in the Derbyshire Times.

Energy Prospects explained its Arkwright Wind Turbine aims to be part of a co-operative scheme with investors becoming part owners. It has also argued that its plans adhere to planning guidelines regarding noise, location and wildlife and wind-powered energy will be transferred to the national grid.

The council is holding planning committee meetings on October 7 and 28 but no date has been fixed to decide upon the application. Residents can submit comments for the council to consider.

Energy Prospects spokesman John Malone believes the planned wind turbine, near Duckmanton, will create a positive and environmentally-friendly energy boost.

He said: “There will be no undue disturbance to people in the area. We’re also very careful to look at the environmental impact of the turbine and the benefits with climate change concerns.

“Surveys have been carried out and we’re satisfied the turbine will not have an undue impact on wildlife.”

Co-operative investors in the turbine will also receive financial benefits and a small percentage of money made from the turbine will go into a community fund for the region, according to Mr Malone.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/06/protesters-raise-concerns-over-wind-turbine-plan/