Turbine in conservation area may get go-ahead

A WIND turbine could be given the go-ahead in a conservation area near Wetherby despite the concerns of a local councillor.

A previous application for a turbine, with a black hub and blades, in association with Hall Farm, Thorp Arch Park, Thorp Arch, near Wetherby, was previously rejected.

The application was thrown out by councillors earlier this year because of concerns that it was not in keeping with the area.

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Members were also concerned about the impact on a conservation area.

However members of Leeds City Council's plans panel east are being urged to give the 15-metre turbine the go-ahead after the design details and its location were revised.

A report to members says: "It is considered that the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on the Thorp Arch Conservation Area, the setting of a listed building, the Special Landscape Area, or on the character of the wider rural landscape, and that it would have an acceptable impact on local amenity and ecology."

The report adds: "This application is brought to plans panel east at the request of the ward member for Wetherby, Coun John Procter, who objects to the proposal 'due to its location and its impact upon the Conservation Area.'"

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The report says no objections have been received from residents.

Following the rejection of the previous application, the latest plan, to be considered by members of the plans panel on Thursday has been revised. The design now has a white hub and blades.

It would provide electricity for the farm, with any excess fed into the National Grid.

In a report council officers say the site where the turbine would be placed is well screened. They are recommending the proposal is backed subject to conditions.