October 4, 2014
England

Wolvey mast approved despite 200 objections

Rugby Advertiser | 02 October 2014 | www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk

A 60-metre mast will be built on Wolvey’s green belt – despite more than 200 objections from residents.

The meteorological structure, which measures wind speeds, will stand on land at Wolvey Wolds, Wolds Lane, for three years.

Rugby Borough Council received more than 200 letters of objection from neighbours and protestors.

Wolvey Against Subsidised Turbine Energy (Waste) attended the meeting last Wednesday.

Adrian Warwick, member of Waste and former ward councillor for Wolvey, said: “Waste is very disappointed with the decision of Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee.

“Despite solid representations from our group, more than 200 objection letters, a petition and five parish councils’ objections, they saw fit to approve this application.

“Cllr Gillias put forward excellent planning reasons why the mast should be refused, and was supported by Cllrs Garcia and Francis.

“But others seemed more worried about the possibility of appeal costs and therefore the cost to the tax payer.”

Mr Warwick said he believed the mast may lead to an application for a wind farm.

He added: “It is worth noting that the subsidies required by a wind farm far outstrip the cost of a planning appeal.”

All data collected by the mast will be shared with the local planning authority, who will share it with the community.

Planning officer Nathan Lowde said: “The benefits of the structure are considered sufficient to outweigh the harm to the character of the area and openness of the green belt.

“It is not considered that the mast would have a significant effect upon the outlook of the villages.”

Flight detectors will be fitted to the guide wires of the mast to avoid adverse impact on birds.

For more information on the meteorological mast plans, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/planning.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/04/wolvey-mast-approved-despite-200-objections/