Saturated by wind turbine projects

CONCERN over the high number of wind turbines in the area led to councillors rejecting a plan for a mast at a farm.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee voted against the 78-metre turbine at Lockwell Hill Farm, Kirklington Road, Farnsfield.

The committee was told there were seven schemes in the area. Mr Roger Blaney said three new applications around the A614 had also been submitted within the last month.

He said: “I have already christened (this) wind turbine alley. We have reached saturation.

“I know we’ve had reasonable representations that it is an application to be sited on a farm in a rural area, but there are an awful lot of farms. Are we going to have wind turbines on every farm?

“We’ve had three applications in the last month for turbines within three miles of this site. When does this committee believe that cumulative impact will be reached?”

Mr Julian Hamilton said it was unfair on applicants to say the level of cumulative impact had been reached without first creating a policy.

Mrs Linda Tift said although she agreed with the comments, she was concerned about supporting farmers.

“To me these wind turbines seem invaluable to farmers, helping them be sustainable and viable for the future, and reducing their carbon footprint,” she said.

“I have doubts about how we can help farmers if we refuse these applications.”