February 8, 2015
England

Bid for 100ft turbine in Shropshire passes plans hurdle

Shropshire Star | February 7, 2015 | www.shropshirestar.com

Plans for a 100ft turbine have been recommended for approval despite strong opposition.

Planning officers have said developers should given permission to build the 30-metre turbine at Hargreaves Farm, Halfway House, near Shrewsbury, despite more than 200 people objecting to the plans.

The wind turbine, which would reach up to 147ft (45m) high with its blades, has sparked anger from residents who say it would be seen more than nine miles away.

Objectors sent in letters to Shropshire Council and one said: “To allow the installation of such a large moving object would completely ruin the visual amenity for anyone visiting the area as well as local residents.

“I feel that if this one turbine is successful in gaining planning permission, it will open the floodgates for the erection of many more in the hills around Long Mountain.

“This turbine will not bring benefit to anyone but the applicant and will negatively impact so many.”

Objectors also fear the turbine would have an adverse effect on tourism and an impact on wildlife such as buzzards and larks.

Others raised concerns about its closeness to an area of outstanding natural beauty as well as the Grade II Listed building at Hargreaves Farmhouse.

English Heritage did not object to the plans, but said it would have an impact on nationally important scheduled monuments.

But planning officers said despite a “significant number of local objections” the impact of the turbine would not be unacceptable.

The plans, submitted by P&P Hughes, also received 55 letters of support from people who said diversification of farms should be supported, and that the environmental benefits were worth pushing.

The turbine would be estimated to produce about 442,000 kilowats per hour, which would be enough to power about 90 homes.

Planning officer Tim Rogers said: “The proposal would provide a financial benefit to the farming enterprise, improving the economic viability of the business.”

The final decision over the plans will be made by councillors at a meeting of the central planning committee on Thursday at 2pm, at the Shirehall, Shrewsbury.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/02/08/bid-for-100ft-turbine-in-shropshire-passes-plans-hurdle/