September 28, 2014
England

Turbine plans across the Staffordshire Moorlands are rejected

Leek Post and Times | September 27, 2014 | www.leek-news.co.uk

Three applications to erect wind turbines across the Staffordshire Moorlands have been rejected.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council planning committee refused permission for the erection of a 34.5 metre (113 feet) turbine at Wood End Farm, Wetley Rocks; a 45 metre (147 feet) turbine on land off Bemersley Road, Brown Edge and a 17.75metre (58 feet) construction on land off Lane End Farm, Lask Edge.

Speaking against the Wetley Rocks proposal Simon Degg said: “My property is the closest which is 260 metres. I am not opposed to turbines, but my house has no landscape to shield it. We use a menage which will be 200 metres away. There will be a loss of amenities from noise.”

Ian Podmore said: “This is the Green Belt and in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This is not a working farm and is it less than 500 metres from residents. It is an inappropriate structure which will be erected closer to other people’s homes than the applicants.”

John Whinray said: “This would set a precedent in a glorious valley. This is not a farm and solar energy could be used.”

However, applicant’s agent Craig Barks said: “Two locations had been checked out and the results satisfied the Environment Health department. The green benefits should not be questioned and the applicant had sought pre-application advice from officers. The landscape has the capability to absorb the turbine.”

Councillor Mike Bowen said only one person wanted it while 4,500 residents did not.

He said: “This would have a big impact on the valley where you see nothing but lovely countryside. A smaller one for the establishment would be better.”

Speaking in opposition to the Bemersley Road, Brown Edge application, Roger Carter said: “This is an outstanding beauty location. It is Green Belt and not justified. The life of residents would be a misery.”

Linda Lea said: “The area is a tourist attraction. The nearby Greenway Bank Country Park is used all the year round and noise would detract people from the healthy past time.”

Applicant Margaret Bailey said: “Many farmers are going out of business. They need support. We have farmed for 100 years and we want our sons to be able to farm and make is sustainable. This turbine would be seen for six months and then go into the background. What is the alternative nuclear or fracking?”

Councillor Jim Davies said the turbine was one of the largest to come before the committee.

He said: “There are numerous houses within 300 metres of the proposal. The impact on the area would be significant.”

Councillor Stephen Ellis said: “This is huge and could not be more intrusive.”

Objecting to a turbine on land north west of Lane End Farm, Lask Edge John Nadin said: “It will be in full view and alien to the landscape.

“How can the noise issue be addressed if it is approved?

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/09/28/turbine-plans-across-the-staffordshire-moorlands-are-rejected/