November 28, 2013
England

Victory for Sheffield turbine campaign

Sheffield Telegraph | 28 November 2013 | www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk

Community campaigners have won their fight to prevent wind turbines from being placed in a north Sheffield beauty spot.

Sheffield Council’s planning committee has refused permission for two 35-and-a-half metre structures to be erected on farmland in the Ewden Valley near Deepcar.

The decision came after a report from planning officers recommended refusal of the application, citing the impact the turbines would have on the character and appearance of the site, recognised as an Area of High Landscape Value.

More than 150 objections were lodged against Earthmill’s application, as campaigners feared the structures would be a blot on the landscape visible from the areas of Bolsterstone, Deepcar, Oughtibridge and Brightholmlee.

Campaigners welcomed the report ahead of the councillors’ decision to reject the plans.

Jack Clarkson, a resident of Deepcar, said: “Two wind turbines in one of the most tranquil areas of Sheffield’s ‘golden frame’ would desecrate the beauty spot for future generations.

“The Ewden Valley is probably the most unspoiled and beautiful location on Sheffield’s doorstep and we need to protect it.”

The Upper Don Action Group, which spearheaded the campaign to block the build, said it would be keeping close tabs on developers in the six-month period they have to appeal the decision.

John Hesketh, a member of the Upper Don Action Group and a former chairman of Sheffield Council’s planning committee, said: “I don’t think we have heard the last of this application.

“UDAG is keeping an eye on any appeal and would let supporters know if one is lodged.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/28/victory-for-sheffield-turbine-campaign/