March 24, 2015
England

250ft wind turbine plan near Bridgnorth is thrown out by inspectors

Shropshire Star | March 24, 2015 | www.shropshirestar.com

Plans for a controversial 250ft wind turbine in the countryside south of Bridgnorth have been thrown out by planning inspectors.

The turbine would have been erected on The Hills in The Down. But inspectors said it would have scarred the landscape and agreed that it should be refused.

The decision was today welcomed by campaigners who are opposing a number of applications for the turbines in south Shropshire.

Councillors had rejected the plans last year because of the potential effect it would have on the countryside and the potential it had to deter tourists from the region.

Inspector Kay Sheffield said applicant David Mottershead’s appeal could not stand up because the turbine would be sited near to Thatchers Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the boundary of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The decision comes after plans for another 250ft turbine near Bridgnorth were resubmitted last week – with the proposal reduced from two turbines to one.

Ms Sheffield says in her report: “In addition to the scheduled ancient monument at Bridgnorth Castle there are several listed buildings in the area, which include properties at Eudon George and Dudmaston Hall.”

Shropshire Councillor Dave Tremellen, who has been a vocal opponent against wind turbines near Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said there had been passionate objections from local people against the plans.

Marcin Koszyczarek, of En-Trust Planning Consultants, working on behalf of the applicant, today declined to comment.

A meeting was held last week by campaigners after it was revealed plans for a turbine at Criddon Hall Farm near Upton Cressett had been resubmitted. The plans, originally for two turbines, were recommended for refusal by county planners but were withdrawn before they were considered by Shropshire Council last summer.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/03/24/250ft-wind-turbine-plan-near-bridgnorth-is-thrown-out-by-inspectors/