November 21, 2013
England

Joy as wind turbine bid is scrapped

By Frances Barrett | Chester Chronicle | 21 Nov 2013 | www.chesterchronicle.co.uk

Residents are celebrating after hated proposals for a 77m-tall wind turbine in Helsby were scrapped.

Clean Power Properties Limited withdrew its application – for the erection of a single wind turbine, formation of new vehicular access track and associated infrastructure on land at the railway sidings – on Monday following an objection by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Nick Leaney, director of Aardvark EM, which is Clean Power’s planning agent, said they withdrew the application after the airport raised concerns over the potential for conflict with its radar system.

In Liverpool John Lennon’s external consultation response, operations planner Andrew Hepworth explained the wind turbine blades would be detected by the primary surveillance radar, creating clutter.

“As a result, the safe operation of the airport would be seriously compromised and we therefore wish to object to the proposal,” he wrote.

When asked whether the developer might make another application for the site in the future, Mr Leaney said: “It is a good site for renewable energy. If this matter can be resolved with John Lennon Airport, then obviously the applicant may consider reapplying.”

News of the withdrawal will be welcomed by Helsby residents, who were overwhelmingly opposed to the proposed development, with more than 130 locals attending the public consultation meeting held by the parish council at the start of the month.

Helsby parish councillor Terry O’Neill said: “It is excellent news. We have done a good job mobilising the residents, who have come out en masse in opposition to the plans.

“I am sure that all the residents of Helsby will be very pleased about it.”

Network Rail, who own the land, also objected to the proposal on the grounds that they are under instruction from the Office of Rail Regulation to close level crossings and new level crossings will therefore not be introduced onto the railway network.

It also cited the potential shadow flicker area as a factor in its decision.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/21/joy-as-wind-turbine-bid-is-scrapped/