August 22, 2015
England

Taller Seighford turbines plan refused

Staffordshire Newsletter | August 20, 2015 | www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk

Plans to increase the height of wind turbines in Seighford by 40 per cent have been refused.

Gemma Chalk already has permission to install the two turbines on land at Ashes covert, in Seighford Lane, but she applied to put bigger ones there.

The new plans would have seen the structures stand at147 feet and 115 feet respectively and the rotor diameter would be 137 feet.

The MoD had requested red flashing lights to be fitted for flight safety if approved.

Resident Robert Turner, 64, of The Paddock, Seighford, told members of Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee: “My objections reflect the views of Seighford and Creswell Parish Councils as well as many residents in the surrounding villages of Great Bridgeford and Derrington and on the western edge of Stafford town in Doxey and Tillinton.

“My concerns are not against wind turbines in general. It is purely about the size and impact on the landscape of the turbines now being proposed. The previous approved wind farm for this site seemed acceptable. The turbines had an overall height of 43 metres and would fit into the landscape without being that intrusive – it was a sensible solution.

“The new proposal dramatically increases the turbine height to 61 metres – 200 feet – an increase of more than 40 per cent. These larger turbines will seriously affect the character and appearance of the landscape across a wide area to the west of Stafford. They will dominate the landscape for the next 25 years.”

Agent Simon Chalk said: “This is a good location for wind turbines. It’s an industrialised are a long way from properties, right next to the M6. We want to be able to produce as much power as we can on that site and have turbines that are attractive.”

Ward Councillor Stephen Leighton said: “At 61 metres it’s unsightly to residents and will affect the look and feel of the countryside in Stafford. It will change what is a beautiful village into something that will become unsightly.”

Councillor Andrew Harp said: “Although this was acceptable at the previous height this impact is going to be too great. We should dismiss the application.”

Members voted unanimously to refuse the application.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/08/22/taller-seighford-turbines-plan-refused/