February 18, 2014
England

Plans to build wind turbine in Baxenden thrown out

By Jon Macpherson | Accrington OBserver | 18 Feb 2014 | www.accringtonobserver.co.uk

Plans to install a 77m high wind turbine in Baxenden have been thrown out by planning officers.

Around 50 objectors submitted letters and signed a petition to the council against the turbine.

Applicant Marshall Cornthwaite, who runs a farm on Wooley Lane, said the turbine would help him diversify and bring in more income to support the business.

However, campaigners said they are still wary about the decision going to appeal.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and NATS Safeguarding objected, claiming it would interfere with radar signals and affect flight safety.

Baxenden and District Golf Club also wrote a letter to the council, claiming it could sound the ‘death knell’ for the club and restrict trade as the turbine would only be 30m away from the 5th and 14th holes.

Hyndburn council rejected the application, citing ‘unacceptable harm’ to the landscape, impact on air traffic control operations, noise on neighbours, a lack of details on how to prevent shadow flicker and the effect on bats and birds.

Ward councillor Terry Hurn said he was pleased with the decision but warned they are ‘not yet in the clear’.

He said: “We are not finally there yet as we don’t know if they are going to appeal.

“It would be a nice victory to say we have managed to abate it as it was such a large turbine and so close to people’s homes.”

The turbine was due to have been installed by Whirlwind Renewables.

A spokesman said: “We are disappointed with the refusal of Wooley Lane wind turbine, as the proposal would have generated enough green power for over 380 homes and produce a community fund that would help projects within the local area.

“We are currently reviewing the reasons for refusal and no decision has been made about the future of the Wooley Lane project.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/18/plans-to-build-wind-turbine-in-baxenden-thrown-out/