Council urged to refuse Chelker Reservoir turbines (From Craven Herald)

Council urged to refuse Chelker Reservoir turbines

10:05am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News

Proposed new wind turbines at Chelker Reservoir look set to be turned down because of their “significant” visual impact.

Craven councillors will hear on Monday that, if approved, the two 45-metre high turbines would be clearly seen from the Priory at Bolton Abbey, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and subject of a JMW Turner painting.

The turbines, which would replace four existing but smaller and outdated turbines next to the reservoir, would also have a damaging impact on the grade one listed Farfield Hall, Craven District Council’s Planning Committee will hear.

Councillors will also be told that the resulting damage to the natural beauty and historic significance of the area could not be outweighed by the need for renewable energy and they should therefore refuse the scheme.

English Heritage, which has objected to the scheme on the grounds of its impact on Bolton Abbey Priory and the Church of St Mary, has told the council it would request a referral to the Secretary of State if the council approved the application.

It is the third attempt by Kelda Water (Yorkshire Water) to replace the turbines, which it says would generate power for the reservoir pumping station. When not required, it would be fed into the National Grid.

The company adds that after 25 years the turbines would be assessed to see whether they are retained or replaced, subject to a new planning application.

The scheme, which replaces one which was withdrawn in July, has raised objections from Draughton Parish Council and Beamsley Parish Meeting.

Beamsley also carried out a poll of 89 of its 98 parishioners, in which 67 per cent were against, 12 per cent in favour, and 14 per cent neutral.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has objected on the grounds of harmful impact on the landscape and historic buildings.

Objections have also been made by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the British Horse Society, The Ramblers Association, The Yorkshire Gardens Trust, The Yorkshire Dales Society, Addingham Civic Society, and local residents.

Chris Walker, from PACT (Parishioners Against Chelker Turbines), said this week there was no justification for building industrial-scale turbines so close to homes. “The developers have put forward scheme after scheme in the hope of wearing down the local community and local councillors. If these plans are approved, the turbines will blight the lives of local people, working farms and at least one generation of children.”