December 10, 2013
England

Plans for two wind turbines rejected by Torridge

North Devon Journal | 9 December 2013 | www.northdevonjournal.co.uk

Two wind turbine applications were rejected by Torridge District Council plans committee members.

Proposals included a 34.5 metre machine on land at Lane Mill Farm near Bideford and a 77 metre turbine on Kingsford Farm, Thornbury.

Both applications were turned down during this month’s planning meeting, which was held last Thursday.

The first proposal of the day was for the 34.5 metre turbine on farm land at Woolfardisworthy.

This application site was situated 1km to the south of Woolsery.

Stephen Bate, who spoke in support of the plans, said the turbine would lead to a reduction in costs for the farm.

Councillors spoke about their concerns. Chris Leather said: “I am not happy with the cumulative impact.

“We really are in danger of turning the Torridge countryside into an industrial landscape.”

Councillor Kathy Murdock said: “This is categorised as a small turbine but it is still an industrial turbine.

“I personally feel there are a lot of applications. I don’t feel comfortable recommending approval on this application.

Councillor Jane Whittaker said she had always been worried about the cumulative impact turbines would have in Torridge.

She said: “If you drive through the countryside and you see them appear in all directions, that is cumulative impact.”

Committee members voted with four against the plans, three in favour and one abstention.

The second turbine application to be decided by committee members was for a 77 metre machine near Holsworthy.

Ian Stewart McKie spoke in objection to the plans. He said: “The turbine would be sited near a nature reserve where bats are sited. It would be out of scale in the area.”

The proposed location would also be nearer a grade two listed church.

Organic dairy farmer, Jeremy Bond spoke in support. He said: “The application would help cut costs and my business viable for the future.”

Councillor Chris Leather said: “I have sympathy with the applicant, but maybe they could go to some other renewable energy.”

Members unanimously rejected the application.

After the meeting, Penny Mills, chairman of the Torridge group of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “We are very pleased that the committee refused these turbines.

“We are glad that the majority of the councillors do agree that there are now simply too many wind turbines in this part of Devon.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/10/plans-for-two-wind-turbines-rejected-by-torridge/