April 4, 2014
England

Plan for Winsham wind turbines comes under fire from councillors

North Devon Journal | April 03, 2014 | www.northdevonjournal.co.uk

A plan to erect two wind turbines on the edge of Winsham has been slated by councillors as “riddled with errors”.

The application proposes the construction of two 40-metre high turbines on farmland to the north of the village.

However, the plans drew criticism after it was discovered that the farm the scheme would provide energy to was more than two miles from the site – despite the nearest properties being less than 250 metres from the base of the towers.

Stephen Whiteman, who lives in one of the nearest properties to the proposed turbines, said his family was already suffering as a result of Fullabrook wind farm.

He said: “I’m concerned about the visual impact.

“We have also got Fullabrook wind farm to the north and this application will mean we are going to suffer from the south and west as well. We hear the Fullabrook turbines when the wind is in the right direction.

“Whatever way the wind’s blowing we are going to suffer.”

Stephen also raised concerns over the ecological effects of the turbines, which would be based on one of the main feeding routes for greater horseshoe bats.

The criticisms were shared among members of Braunton Parish Council, who unanimously agreed to recommend the plan for refusal.

Robin Bonds said: “It’s so close to houses and it’s purely a financial gain as far as I’m concerned.

“The major one here is the size of these turbines and the closeness of the adjacent properties.

“A 50kw turbine really is quite a hefty size.”

The standard of the application itself brought most criticism from councillors, who questioned the lack of detail in a number of areas – including how the turbines would be linked to the national grid.

It also came under criticism for a number of stark errors. Planning chairman Marguerite Shapland corr said the application was “riddled with errors” and suggested that the applicants may not have checked it before it was submitted.

She said: “Apparently the site is just outside Ugborough near Ivybridge and the local policy in fact relates to the South Hams.”

A delegated decision is due to be made by North Devon Council by the end of April.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/04/plan-for-winsham-wind-turbines-comes-under-fire-from-councillors/