December 25, 2013
England

Controversial Shropshire windfarm plans withdrawn after 50 objections

Shropshire Star | December 25, 2013 | www.shropshirestar.com

Controversial plans to install a 150ft windfarm in the Shropshire countryside which attracted more than 50 objections from residents have been withdrawn.

Proposals had been submitted to build a 150ft-high turbine on Long Mountain – midway between Shrewsbury and Welshpool.

It had been intended the turbine would be installed at Hargreaves Farm near Halfway House and Vron Gate near Shrewsbury.

But the scheme attracted scores of objections from local residents, while military bosses said it would cause “unacceptable interference” to an air traffic control radar at RAF Shawbury.

Nobody from the farm’s agents, Roger Parry & Partners, was available for comment today. But the firm sent a letter to Shropshire Council on December 17 confirming the application has been withdrawn.

More than 50 objections were lodged about the proposed scheme with five letters of support.

The turbine’s blades would have reached a height of 46.3 metres. It was intended to serve a business that farms 170 acres, with 700 breeding ewes and crops.

The Ministry of Defence had objected to the plans amid concerns about its potential impact on RAF Shawbury, which is about 15 miles away from the planned site.

Debi Parker, safeguarding assistant for wind energy for the Ministry of Defence, said the turbine could have the effect of preventing aircraft from being detected by radars at RAF Shawbury.

A special meeting of Westbury Parish Council was held in November, with councillors also deciding to object to the scheme.

The proposal was also opposed by the Shropshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Prior to the application being withdrawn, the organisation said: “We consider that the damage done to the Shropshire countryside and the character of its landscape far outweighs any benefits generated by the intermittent supply of electricity produced.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/25/controversial-shropshire-windfarm-plans-withdrawn-after-50-objections/