Turbine appeal lodged
An appeal will be heard against a decision to reject controversial plans for two wind turbines near Southwell.
The plans, which would see two 67-metre turbines erected at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus, were rejected by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee in January and again in April last year.
The committee raised concerns about the negative impact of the turbines on views of Southwell Minster, which is listed for protection at the highest possible level, their impact on Brackenhurst Hall, also a listed building, and Southwell’s conservation area.
Nottingham Trent University has appealed — due to be heard at a four-day inquiry in July — on the basis that the turbines would help to meet UK renewable energy targets and that the impact they would have was acceptable.
A report outlining the university’s grounds for appeal said: “The important objectives of renewable energy generation and appropriate management of change in the cultural heritage environment can satisfactorily co-exist.”
Groups were formed to campaign for and against the turbines.
Halloughton Parish Meeting, which opposed the plans, held a special meeting on Monday to discuss the appeal.
Mr Richard Elliott, chairman of the parish meeting, said he was appalled that the university had decided to appeal.
He said: “We had a large meeting with people not just from Halloughton but all the parishes around and they are disgusted and incandescent that Nottingham Trent should be going to appeal.
“It is going to waste a lot of taxpayers’ money.
“Halloughton meeting is obviously very supportive of the case being put forward by Newark and Sherwood District Council and appalled at the cavalier behaviour of Nottingham Trent University.”
The If Not Then What campaign group campaigned in favour of the turbines, saying the environmental benefits of wind power out- weighed their visual impact.
Grant Anderson, environmental manager at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Many people in the community, along with key stakeholders, are very much in favour of these plans. There have been many more letters of support for the proposals, than opposition.
“There is a great community aspect to the proposals, which are another example of our commitment to reduce environmental impacts and contribute towards a low carbon future. We hope that the turbines will enable our Brackenhurst campus to become the first carbon-neutral campus in the country.”
Southwell Town Council was due to discuss the appeal last night.