January 20, 2015
England

Three wind turbines planned for Gnosall turned down by Stafford Borough Council

Staffordshire Newsletter | Posted: January 19, 2015 | www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk

Huge wind turbines planned for Gnosall which would have been seen from Telford and Wolverhampton have been thrown out amid fears they would wreck the area.

The controversial plan for three turbines at Knightley Hall Farm, Knightley Road, was turned down by planners after a visit to the site today.

Angry residents packed into the meeting at Stafford Borough Council as they heard councillors vote to refuse the scheme by REG Wind Power as they fear it would ruin the area and have a damning effect on listed buildings and heritage sites, such as Norbury Park, Norbury Junction and historic chuches in the area.

Planning officers had already recommended it should be refused but Guy Maxfield, speaking on behalf of Norbury Parking, parish council and Gnosall Parish Council, said there should also be stronger reasons put forward for the refusal.

He said: “There will be significant visual effects. The turbines would be visible for 25 km in all directions. It will cause significant harm to the visual amenity.

“There is insufficient information to confirm this will not cause unacceptable interference to the air traffic control radar at RAF Shawbury.”

Sarah Young, the agent acting on behalf of REG Windpower said the turbines would generate much-needed renewable energy, powering 4,200 households.

She said there had been no objections by the Environment Agency, the bio diversity officer or Natural England, the MOD had raised no objections and neither had English Heritage.

“REG would contribute £30,000 every year to support local good causes,” she said.

“Local people could invest in the project. The minimum amount to invest would be £5 so it would be an opportunity for the infrastructure of the project to remain in the hands of local people.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/01/20/three-wind-turbines-planned-for-gnosall-turned-down-by-stafford-borough-council/