December 31, 2013
England

Cheers ring out as turbine is rejected

Melton Times | 31 December 2013 | /www.meltontimes.co.uk

The rejection of a proposed 79m wind turbine in Melton Road, Long Clawson, was met with applause and cheers by delighted residents at a Melton Council planning meeting.

It was one of two wind turbine applications to be refused – the other was on land west of Vale View Farm, Old Dalby.

A further wind turbine at Easthorpe and the installation of solar panels at Thorpe Satchville were approved while a decision over a fourth wind turbine at Six Hills Farm, Paddys Lane, Old Dalby was deferred until the council receives comment from East Midlands Airport.

The Long Clawson application, submitted by Dr R Warren, had been recommended for approval subject to conditions. However, concerns were raised about the impact it could have on the character of the countryside and on nearby properties as well as its close proximity to other wind turbines. Residents also argued that an environmental impact assessment should have been carried out and that the data being used to measure noise level was ‘out of date’.

Objectors included Ab Kettleby Parish Council, Long Clawson Action Group, a representative from Holwell, Councillor Joe Orson (Old Dalby Ward) and Councillor Bryon Rhodes (Long Clawson, Stathern and Hose Ward).

The applicant did not speak at the meeting.

Committee member Councillor John Illingworth said: “The application should be refused as it’s too large and too close to residential areas. I also think it’s bad judgment that an environmental impact assessment has not been done.”

Regarding the second application to be refused, at Old Dalby, concerns raised included the development’s proximity to other wind turbines and noise impact.

An agent for the applicant, Hallmark Power Ltd, said there would be little noise impact as the turbine was 600m from the nearest dwelling and about 850m from any other turbine. However, the application was unanimously refused by the committee.

A 46m wind turbine in Castle View Road, Easthorpe, was approved. Concerns were raised about the impact on nearby historical assets, such as Belvoir Castle, proximity to homes and noise levels. Objectors included BLOT (Belvoir Locals Oppose Turbines).

The applicant James Goodson argued the proposed turbine was on a small scale and would not add to the cumulative effect of other turbines. He also said it was located next to a bypass and that English Heritage had not objected to it.

Councillor Gary Bush said: “I’m happy to support the application as I live 200m from a similar turbine and I don’t even know it’s there.”

An application to install 1,090 ground mounted solar panels at Hall Farm in Thorpe Satchville was also approved.

Residents raised fears about impact on the character of the countryside and on nearby houses. However, it was decided these could be solved with the applicant, Prof Gary England, erecting a 3m high hedge to screen the view.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/31/cheers-ring-out-as-turbine-is-rejected/