December 3, 2015
England

Villagers hit back at Wiltshire Council for lack of consultation over wind turbines

Tanya Yilmaz, Trowbridge and Melksham reporter | Wiltshire Times | 3 December 2015 | www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk

Villagers living within sight of near Kingsdown Golf Club have pleaded with Wiltshire Council to throw out plans to build two wind turbines after they argued they will be seen for miles.

Residents in South Wraxall, Monkton Farleigh and Box have written in their masses to the council in the last week, after a decision on the planning application was deferred due to a lack of consultation with locals.

Many have spoken out against the plans which could see the installation of two 10kW Tozzi Nord Wind Turbines which would stand at 69ft high.

Among them is Matthew Midlane, chairman of Monkton Farleigh Parish Council, who unanimously opposed the plans based on concerns including the visual impact, noise and bird conservation.

He wrote: “It will be a significant eyesore and be a dangerous precedent for further erosion of the greenbelt. There is little doubt it will effect wildlife adversely, in particular bats and a variety of owl species. Further damage to our countryside is not warranted.”

While the consultation with locals has now ended, the decision is not due until the New Year – something which Cllr Trevor Carbin, who represents Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall, is eagerly awaiting.

He said: “The original story is that it was going to go to the Northern area committee on November 18 and usually it only has applications for Chippenham. It was only when I checked the agenda of the last meeting that I noticed this application which is right on the border. I think the main concern is the impact it will have on the Green Belt and area of outstanding beauty and the second worry is the noise it will cause. I think because there is a bridleway nearby as well concerns people particularly horse riders.”

Despite plans being deferred, planning officers have previously recommended the wind turbines be granted, saying although the site is in greenbelt, the structures wouldn’t cause any noticeable harm to the scenery.

Jane Clifford who owns the nearby Kingsdown Livery Stables, opposes that view and added: “I only heard about it on Friday afternoon and I was in shock a bit because no one else had known about it.”

“We live on the road and have a livery stables and so I am concerned about the amount of noise it could make.

“I think the main worry is that if approved it could set precedent and it is right on the top of the hill.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said they received amended plans and the extended consultation will include neighbouring parishes’ comments. They added it is likely to go back to the planning committee early next year.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/12/03/villagers-hit-back-at-wiltshire-council-for-lack-of-consultation-over-wind-turbines/