No-go for turbines farm on East Lancashire moors (From Chorley Citizen)

No-go for turbines farm on East Lancashire moors

10:20am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in East Lancashire

TURBINES Plans refused

FIVE new 125metre-high wind turbines on the moors above Burnley, Bacup and Todmorden have been rejected by planning bosses.

The controversial wind farm proposed by Kelda Water, a subsidiary of Yorkshire Water, had provoked outrage among conservationists.

But planning chiefs in Calderdale believed the turbines – the latest in a series of wind farms across the South Pennines – were a step too far.

Towering structures have already been approved in recent years for locations including Reaps Moss, Crook Hill and Todmorden Moor.

Planning head Geoff Willerton said in a decision notice: “The proposed turbines would have significant adverse cumulative landscape impacts, when read against the consented wind turbines at Reaps Moss, Crook Hill and Todmoden Moor.”

In his ruling he said the accepted benefits from the turbines, and their benefits regarding climate change, did not outweigh the effect on the moorland setting.

The turbines, for land to the south of Gorpley Reservoir, off Bacup Road, Todmorden, like similar developments at Cliviger, near Burnley, and Scout Moor, in Rossendale, would be visible for miles around, according to protesters.

Planning official Alan Rogan, speaking on behalf of Burnley Council, joined local farmers and walkers in opposing the scheme.

Mr Rogan said: “For Burnley the main impact would be visual, and the consequent impact on long-distance recreational footpaths along this part of the Pennines.

“On that basis it is considered that significant weight should be given to any negative cumulative impact on the landscape and its visual amenities.”

Applicants Kelda Water are said to be considering the possibility of lodging an appeal against the council’s decision.