Residents face snub as go-ahead urged for wind turbine projects

Plans have been submitted for one turbine at the new Darton Advanced Learning Centre (ALC), which is currently under construction, and for two turbines to provide energy for the Bullhouse Mill business complex in Millhouse Green, near Penistone.

Previously, Charles Booth had applied to build three turbines at Bullhouse Mill but, following a significant number of objections, the plans were reduced to two, the one closest to houses on Catshaw Lane being removed.

If the plans are approved by councillors next week, the wind turbines would provide power to the former mill buildings, which are now used for companies including an insurance broker and a children's outdoor clothing shop.

Opponents include neighbours, councillors and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, who say the turbines should be relocated closer to the industrial buildings.

Most of the 23 objections come from people living in properties along Catshaw Lane.

One opponent claimed the development would "dominate views from every aspect of a number of properties", while another said: "Catshaw hamlet enjoys stunning views to the south and overlooking the Peak District National Park and the turbines will spoil this."

Other objectors are opposing the scheme on the grounds of noise, potential shadow flicker, the impact on the landscape and the possibility of "ice fling".

Despite these objections and "significant local interest" in the proposals, Barnsley Council's planning officers have recommended that the scheme should be given consent.

The planners say, in a report to next week's committee meeting: "A number of objections refer to the turbines spoiling views from their respective property. However, it is a well-held planning principle that there is no right to a view from properties.

"The proposal is considered acceptable in respect of residential amenity issues such as noise, shadow flicker and outlook."

Although the site lies in the green belt, the planning officers say, the landscape would not be significantly harmed.

The report adds: "The relatively small scale of the turbines and nature of the immediate surroundings means the turbines would not overburden the surrounding landscape.

"The proposal would make a small contribution to tackling climate change and there are wider environmental benefits associated with the scheme."

Planning officers have also recommended that the proposed wind turbine at Darton ALC should be given the go-ahead.

Eight letters of objection have been submitted in relation to the plans, on the grounds that the 43metre-high (141ft) turbine could cause problems with TV reception, noise could affect both schoolchildren and livestock, and the turbine would be "visible from a long distance".

Planning officials, however, say the proposed turbine is a "component part of the Building Schools for the Future programme" and has the potential to provide a green electricity source to the new school.

Each of Barnsley's new ALCs are intended to have biomass boilers, to provide 10 per cent of the schools' power, and wind turbines to provide a further 10 per cent.

The planners' report says: "The turbine is a relatively permeable and slim feature and overall, it is not considered the turbine significantly harms the openness of the green belt.

"All other issues in respect of noise, shadow flicker and TV reception have been suitably addressed."

Both applications are set to be decided at a meeting of Barnsley Council's planning board on Tuesday, June 29.