July 23, 2015
England

Plans for a 78-metre wind turbine at Hempstead turbine refused

Tracey Gray | Eastern Daily Press | 23 July 2015 | www.edp24.co.uk

A bid to build a 78-metre high turbine situated near heritage assets and an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty have been refused by councillors.

The decisions to refuse the plans for a turbine on Selbrigg Farm, Hempstead, was made by North Norfolk District Council’s development committee yesterday .

It came after planning officers said the turbine proposals, which had received 632 objections and one letter of support, would result in significant harm to setting of number of heritage assets, including Baconsthorpe Castle, and the nearby designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Carl Gorham, who lives in Lower Bodham in one of the houses closest to where the proposed site of the turbine, said it would have a significant impact on the “peaceful haven” and “precious island of comfort” he had tried to create at his home with his daughter, after losing his wife to cancer in 2007.

He added: “It would have an effect on local people walking and biking, but also those people who enjoying holidaying here.”

The proposal was submitted by farm owner Francis Feilden, who lives on Selbrigg Farm. He said it would create enough electricity for 343 homes and would also provide revenue to aid the restoration of Selbrigg Pond, which has high environmental value.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Feilden’s agent, John Fairlie, said: “We are very disappointed. We will read carefully the reasons for refusal and decided on the next course of action.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/07/23/plans-for-a-78-metre-wind-turbine-at-hempstead-turbine-refused/