2:20pm Tuesday 31st March 2009
By David Paine
STRONG opposition has met with plans linked to proposals to build a wind farm on the edge of Worcestershire.
Residents and members of the Strensham Wind Action Group (SWAG), along with Strensham Parish Council, West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer, as well as his potential successors Harriett Baldwin and Richard Burt, have all lodged objections.
Wind Prospects Ltd has submitted an application to Wychavon District Council to build an access track and cable trench on land south of Wooshill Road and west of upper Strensham to service a proposed “wind energy development” on neighouring land just over the Gloucestershire border.
People living nearby say a proper decision on that cannot be made when any application for a wind farm has not yet been submitted.
They have concerns about converting a farm track and bridleway into a busy road and the impact that will have on the surrounding rural area.
They also have questions over the viability of a wind farm in that location and are also worried about the fact they will not have any direct input into any wind farm application because the final decision will rest with Tewkesbury Borough Council.
Rod Wood, of SWAG, said: “There is no benefit for the local community if this application is allowed to proceed. The proposed wind farm is in the borough of Tewkesbury but the major impact will be felt in Wychavon and Malvern Hills.
“It will spoil the rural aspect and amenity and also that of the nearby AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) – Bredon Hill.”
Jonathan Edwards, Wychavon District Council’s development control manager, said a date for when a decision will be made on the access track and cable trench application has not yet been decided.
“It will have to go to one of our planning committee meetings,” he said.
Mr Edwards said the earliest it could go before the committee is on Thursday, April 30.
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