First victory to Tewkesbury turbine campaigners
PROTESTERS fighting a proposal to build wind turbines are celebrating a small victory.
Wind Prospect Developments wants to install three 126 metre turbines near Upper Strensham, between Harbour Wood and Brockeridge Common.
It needs to build an access track near to the site before the scheme gets the go-ahead.
But the track was rejected by Wychavon District Council in April last year, a decision which has now been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.
David Wallbank, chairman of the Strensham Wind Action Group, said: "We are extremely encouraged by the planning inspector's decision."
In his report, inspector Graham Cundale said the access track would 'scar an attractive tract of countryside in a way that would be very visible to the public'.
This would have a significant impact on the historic parkland known as Strensham Court, he added.
Campaigners hope the access track refusal could stop the turbines being built on farmland which overlooks the M5 and M50 motorways.
They say the machines will be a blot on the landscape and even people in the heart of Tewkesbury will see them.
The main application will be decided by Tewkesbury Borough Council as the site is in an area bordering both Tewkesbury borough and Wychavon district.
The borough council, which has received 110 objections to the plans, says no date has been set for its planning committee to consider them, but it won't be before April.
Wind Prospect's development manager Alastair Smith said: "While disappointed that the appeal was refused, we welcome the inspector's statement that any harm from the track could be outweighed by the wind turbines' benefits. We are proceeding on this basis, in the knowledge that the proposed turbines will help combat climate change and contribute to energy security.
"In the event that they are approved, we will again approach Wychavon District Council with an application for the access track."
8 Comments
by people shouldn't comment if they don't know facts, Close to turbines
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 9:27AM
“If you had taken the time to read the application you would see that they will be using strensham services but they still need to get to harbour wood, hence the application for an access track across the countryside!”
by objector, Twyning
Monday, February 08 2010, 8:57PM
“I notice none of you are in close proximity. The noise impact is more of a concern than the visual impact, the full impact is unknown at this stage but once they are put up what can be done then. NOTHING”
by affected resident, Strensham
Monday, February 08 2010, 8:54PM
“I wonder how you would all feel if they were on your door step! Aggreived like us I would think. Yes they are a good ides but in the correct place. If you had taken the time to read the application you would know the access track was most certainly not a country track but hey guess what your not affected so it doesn't matter!!”
by Mal, Local
Monday, February 08 2010, 8:36PM
“Johnn Sidebotham, Sydney Australia .
There's another track close by that is acceptable. The M5,a North/South Freeway,that has a nice little earner to it's sides,namely, Strensham Services.”
by johnn sidebotham, sydney australia
Monday, February 08 2010, 7:31PM
“hope all the objectors only use oil lamps and no white goods like fridges and washing machines. Otherwise you are hypocritical. Get into the 21st century. Please.”
by Stuart Hawkins, Cheltenham
Monday, February 08 2010, 9:05AM
“"the access track would 'scar an attractive tract of countryside in a way that would be very visible to the public'."
Graham Cundale need to get his head out of his rural a$$ and stop saying stupid things like this. Its a track, in the countryside - not the first, and certainly not the last. Sustainable energy sources like this are the furture, they are inevitable, and the sooner we start benefitting from them, the better. The poor old nimbys are just going to have to accept that, either now, or when the Goverment starts buying up their fields under CPOs for this stuff.”
by dw, Tewkesbury
Monday, February 08 2010, 8:33AM
“I'm sure most people in Tewkesbury would be happy to see the turbines. I've seen wind farms all over Europe and can't understand why people see them as a blot on the landscape. They're far less intrusive than nuclear power stations.”
by Me, Quedgeley
Monday, February 08 2010, 7:50AM
“Well I hope you're all happy- because of NIMBY's like you we have to have another NUCLEAR power station built at Oldbury. Which is of course so much better because you don't have to look at it.
Shame on you.”