November 7, 2013
Wales

Greenfield wind turbines plan rejected

Published by: Owen Evans | 07 November 2013 | www.newsnorthwales.co.uk

Plans for two wind turbines “taller than Big Ben” have been rejected.

An application for two 110m-high wind turbines and supporting structures on the Greenfield Business Park was refused by members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee yesterday.

Councillors were unequivocal in their objection to the plans, which were lodged by Greenfield-based company Kingspan Ltd.

Holywell councillor Gareth Roberts told members the company was popular in Flintshire but its plan was a step too far.

He said: “I’d love to support anything Kingspan put forward that would increase their business but this one is over the top.

“I look forward to them coming forward with a more acceptable application.”

Resident Gwladys Harrison, who lives close to the planned site, also spoke out against the application, stating that it would have a detrimental impact on her life.

She said: “It’s taller than Big Ben and longer than a football pitch.

“They would be the most promenant structures not only in Greenfield but around four kilometres around.”

A statement from Greenfield councillor Rosetta Dolphin was also read out.

In it she said the plans would detract from the beauty of Greenfield Valley.

She said: “Greenfield Valley is one of Flintshire’s crown jewels and two large turbines in this locality can only detract from an area now known for its flowing waters, and visited for peace, tranquility, wildlife and farm museum.”

The councillor also said there were risks to wildlife, danger of impact on the lives of people living close-by and danger to air traffic.

The plan also received 50 letters of objection.

Applicant Mark Harris tried to persuade councillors to approve the structures, which would be higher than the tallest building in Wales, by arguing that they would help protect jobs and create new ones.

Kingspan employ 388 people – 201 of whom are from Flintshire.

But members of the planning committee were not persuaded.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dolphin said: “I’m really pleased.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/07/greenfield-wind-turbines-plan-rejected/