October 25, 2015
England

Opposition to police’s 145ft wind turbine

Tom Wright | North Somerset Times | 25 October 2015 | www.northsomersettimes.co.uk

Plans for a 145ft wind turbine drawn up by Avon and Somerset Constabulary have been dealt a blow after Portishead Town Council refused to back the scheme.

Concerns over the turbine’s appearance and its impact on wildlife living in the area were raised at this month’s planning meeting.

The police want to build the turbine near its headquarters in Portishead.

The force believes it will reduce its carbon footprint and save the authority money at a time when resources and funding are being cut all the time. It also says the financial rewards would enable it to ‘safeguard jobs and frontline policing’.

However the town council has recommended North Somerset Council refuses the police’s planning application.

It provided six objections to the scheme, including agreeing with North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox that the Gordano Valley’s appearance would be damaged by the 145ft structure.

Councillor Peter Burden raised concerns over the impact on wildlife too, with peregrine falcons nesting on the site off Valley Road.

Concern over the noise caused by the turbine – which the police feel will not be an issue due to the close proximity of the M5 – was also raised by members.

Town councillors also believed it may affect walkers using footpaths, is too close to homes, would reduce the value of Merlin Park and could impact on nearby Weston Big Wood which is a site of special scientific interest.

North Somerset Council’s planning officers or planning committee will make the final decision.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/10/25/opposition-to-polices-145ft-wind-turbine/