November 14, 2013
England

Appeal go-ahead for Wilpshire wind turbines

By Jessica Cree, Crime reporter | Lancashire Telegraph | 14th November 2013 | www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

An application to build three wind turbines on green belt land has been passed on appeal.

Plans for the 46m-high structures at Carr Hall Home and Garden Centre, in Wilpshire, had been rejected by Ribble Valley Council over fears they would have a ‘devastating visual impact’.

The Ministry of Defence had also protested over the impact the turbines might have on air traffic control radar.

But applicant Andrew Donelan, from the Whalley Road centre, appealed the decision and the plans were allowed by the planning inspectorate.

The MoD’s objection was withdrawn and inspector Anthony Thickett decided the turbines’ impact on the surrounding environment would be ‘limited’.

She said: “I fear anybody coming along Whalley Road is going to see them on the hillside.

“Personally, I do not think wind turbines are a good source of energy. I believe quite honestly that the droning noise and vibrations risk creating health problems.

“There is also a great deal of worry over Little Snodworth Farm because horses are very easily spooked by flashing lights.

“But the expense of a judicial review might be too much. We have to make serious decisions because it is council tax money that could be thrown away.

“But if we do not do something about it to try to stop it, then we will have an avalanche of wind turbine proposals in the Ribble Valley.” A protest meeting in July was attended by more than 250 people.

In a report, Mr Thickett said: “The council’s reason for refusal alleges that there is insufficient information to enable proper assessment of the impact of the proposed development on protected species, namely bats, lapwing and curlew.

“However, I am satisfied that, subject to a condition prohibiting work in nesting season (unless there are no nests present), the proposed development would not have an adverse effect on protected species.”

Mr Thickett added that the noise and visual impact the turbines created would not ‘significantly impair the enjoyment’ of paths around them.

It is anticipated the 50 kilowatt turbines would generate 600,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year, enough to power 120 homes.