November 1, 2013
England

Denham: Villagers’ anger at turbine plan in The Street

Matt Hunter | East Anglian Daily Times | November 1, 2013 | www.eadt.co.uk

Anger has been expressed at plans to construct a wind turbine which could obstruct views across a “beautiful” part of Suffolk.

Villagers came to an Eye Town Council meeting to vent their feelings over the proposals for the site in nearby Denham.

The turbine would be almost 43metres (about 141 feet) tall if it is to be constructed in The Street.

Town councillor Andrew Evitt spoke out against the turbine plan. He said: “It will be very visible, but it’s a bit difficult for me as I ought to declare an interest – I have a real problem with them, they are the most appalling waste of money and they do have an impact on the visual environment.

“That area is Suffolk personified – it is quite beautiful and whatever you say it will totally alter the ambience of it.”

The agent for the applicant, Mosscliff Environmental Limited, said the turbine had been designed to create as little visual impact as possible.

District and town councillor Charles Flatman wished to back the villagers who attended the meeting. He said: “We should listen to what the people of Denham are saying – they appear to me to be totally against it. I feel we should move to support the parish council.”

The proposals were discussed by Eye Town Council as the site lies within its boundary.

But when Denham Parish Council was also asked to comment the authority said it “could not support” the proposals.

Parish councillors said maps which showed hedgerows screening the turbine were out-of-date.

A spokesman for the agent said: “I think it’s important to look at the conservation officer’s comments as he supported the application. We have sited the turbine in a way to reduce any potential impact and we feel the benefits far outweigh any negative impact that may come from it.”

Eye Town Council voted against the proposals. Mid Suffolk District Council is expected to make the final decision on the plans in the coming weeks.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/01/denham-villagers-anger-at-turbine-plan-in-the-street/