Proposed wind turbine set to get short shrift from planners

The application for an 11KW turbine on a 15m lattice tower requests permission for its erection at Withins Clough Treatment Works, Rud Lane, Cragg Vale, near Hebden Bridge.

The agent Andrew Hayes of Crag Lane, Wheatley, Halifax, has told planners that: “Using the site’s predicted annual average wind speed at 10m of 5.6m/s it is estimated that the proposed turbine in this location could generate an output of 37,000 kWh of electricity per annum. “This would cover approximately 50 per cent of the anticipated annual energy usage of the dwelling.

“Since all excess energy at times of low usage is fed back to the Grid, this proposal will also benefit the wider community.

“This energy generation represents an annual CO2 saving of nearly 20 tonnes for carbon. This installed capacity will also help to contribute towards regional and national targets for renewable energy generation for 2020.”

Seven letters of support have also been received in support of the application. Among the main points made are: that it will make a real contribution to reducing Cragg Vale’s carbon footprint, is an excellent plan to cut global warming gases and will provide a better form of power to Withins Clough Treatment Works.

Coun John Beacroft-Mitchell has asked for the application to be called before the full Planning Committee which will discuss its merits today at Halifax Town Hall.

He said: “As with many applications for wind turbines there is a contentious public interest element which means the views of both the applicant and any objectors should be heard alongside the opinions of planning officers.

“I understand one issue of contention in this case is the proximity of the proposed turbine to a footpath which was refused planning permission in 2009 to become a bridleway. Despite the refusal I understand the footpath is designated a permissive bridleway status.”

Coun Richard Marshall added: “I express my concern because there is some doubt as to whether there is a bridleway within the site.

“I see no reason to object to this application as it is in an isolated spot.

“I would, therefore, request that this application be referred to the Planning Committee who will decide on the position of the bridleway and whether it is a reasonable ground to refuse this application.”

Hebden Royd Town Council has called for the application to be refused on the grounds that there will be a loss of visual amenity in this Green Belt and Special Landscape Area.

Objectors to the scheme say the turbine would be a “blot on the landscape”, it would have a negative effect on Twites that reside and breed in the nearby area and would also have a detrimental contribution to the historic environment.

Geoff Willerton, head of planning at Calderdale Council, in his report for members says: “I note that objection letters have been received which seek to provide evidence of the historic importance of the landscape in the area, and there does appear to be local evidence of historic activity such as field boundaries and ancient highways.

“Given these historic features it is considered likely that this landscape can in itself be defined as a heritage asset...the site does have a landscape character that is valued for its scenic quality, wildness and tranquillity.

“However, the existing vertical structures adjacent to the site do reduce the overall impact the proposed turbine would have on the historic landscape. It is, therefore, considered that the benefits the proposal will have on reducing the carbon footprint of the site outweigh any harm that may occur to the historic landscape.”

He says it is not acceptable because of its proximity to the adjacent permissive bridleway and its likely adverse effect on highway safety.