Wind farm plans rejected (From Worcester News)

Wind farm plans rejected

4:30pm Friday 1st May 2009

LOUD cheers greeted the rejection of proposals linked to the development of a wind farm on the edge of Worcestershire.

Parish councillors, residents and members of Strensham Wind Action Group (SWAG) packed into Wychavon District Council’s development control committee meeting.

We previously reported in your Worcester News how Wind Prospects had applied 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.

At yesterday’s meeting David Wallbank said the work would damage part of an historic wall at Strensham Court, cause the temporary loss of public footpaths, and raised concerns about the dangers and noise created by an increase in traffic.

A presentation by Alistair Smith, on behalf of Wing Prospects, said the company would keep a public footpath open and work with the council to resolve any issues.

However, members of the planning committee voiced serious concerns about the project, especially as an application for a wind farm has not yet been submitted to Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Councillor Ron Davies, who represents Eckington ward, said: “It seems to me the cart is going before the horse.”

Councillor Rob Adams, Norton and Whittington, was applauded by members of the public when he said: “There’s enough here to give good refusal reasons so I think we should refuse it and refuse it today.”

The planning committee voted to refuse the application on the basis it encroached on an AONB, would have an impact on historic parkland and would cause the loss of part of an historic wall.