April 13, 2015
England

Fury over wind turbine scheme which would build devices larger than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer

By Michael Morrison | Lancashire Telegraph | www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

“We do not want any more wind turbines spoiling our landscape.”

That was the message from a top Hyndburn politician after plans for another three turbines were lodged with the council.

Opinion is being sought by developers who want to erect a 47.5m turbine at Dewhurst Farm in Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood.

And permission is being sought for two endurance X-33 wind turbines, measuring 47m, at Windy Harbour Farm, Kings Highway, Huncoat.

If built, all three will be taller than the statue of Christ that towers over Rio de Janeiro.

But opposition leader at Hyndburn Borough Council, Peter Britcliffe, said: “They are a blight on the landscape and they destroy the beautiful moorland we have around Hyndburn. Companies offer to put wind turbines on land and then pay for having them, and anything that makes money will be popular. But it is of cost to our beautiful countryside.”

Last year, plans by developer Energie-Kontor to add an extra four 120m turbines to the Hyndburn Wind Farm on Oswaldtwistle Moor, taking the total to 16, were met with opposition.

The Ministry of Defence has also been known to oppose plans for turbines across the borough, saying they could interfere with radar at its Warton base, tricking the system into thinking unidentified aircraft are in the air.

And in 2013, former Rhyddings School pupil Sharon Moss launched a campaign to stop more turbines being built in the borough.

She said: “It is getting to the stage where we are not going to be able to walk, relax, and enjoy any area in Accrington without having these monstrous wind turbines in our faces.”

She was concerned about plans to build a 77m turbine at Wooley Lane Farm in Baxenden – and opinion was sought for a 35m turbine at Accrington Riding Centre, Rothwell Mill Farm. Neither turbine was built following her campaign. She said: “Turbines are becoming a blot. There are too many now.”

Details of the developers behind the new applications are yet to be revealed by the council.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/04/13/fury-over-wind-turbine-scheme-which-would-build-devices-larger-than-rios-christ-the-redeemer/