Controversial Carsington wind farm approved
Posted on: September 18th, 2008 by Emma Young
The controversial plan of installing wind turbines at a scenic spot of Derbyshire has been approved after a public inquiry. A proposal was forwarded by Carsington Wind Energy nearly two years ago to install 4 wind turbines near Carsington Water. The District Council of Derbyshire Dales had refused permission for 330 feet high turbines in July last year.
The company had then approached Planning Inspectorate in September 2007 to get a ruling. Despite protests from local councillors and campaigners, orders were passed to hold a public inquiry into the issue. Based on its inquiry, the inspectorate has given its approval for the proposed plan.
One of the 25 conditions is that the development must start within five years. They also include restriction on noise levels.
The Hopton Action Group and Protect Carsington group had gathered a petition with 1,400 names against the proposal. 61 years old Peter Gibbon, Chairman of Carsington Bird Club expressed his surprise at the inspectorate’s approval. He stated that nation’s fear of running out of energy sources is overriding local issues. The project is going to severely affect the wild life Carsington. The inquiry’s view that turbines will have very little, if any, effect on local wild life, including birds, is wrong according to him.
Mr Brooks claims that the inquiry had looked into various objections, including effect on surrounding landscape, tourism and renewable energy targets.
The company can now proceed with building the turbines, one substation and other associated development.
