Woman wins battle over wind turbine

Sally Linton wanted to site the 6KW turbine on a 15m mast 90 metres to the south west of Sands House, a late 17th century early 18th century laite-house situated in Sowerby Lane, Luddendenfoot, near Halifax.

But Calderdale Council refused to sanction the plans. The main issues between the parties were the effect of the proposed development on the safety of walkers using a footpath, its impact on the setting of Sands House and whether the proposal would be inappropriate in the Green Belt.

In his judgment planning inspector Anthony Trickett said his conclusion is that the turbine is “unlikely to endanger users of the footpath.”

As for the potential adverse impact on the Green Belt he admits that “inevitably” it will have an impact on its “openness” but crucially he says he considers that “the benefits associated with the production of renewable energy from the proposed turbine outweighs the harm by reason of inappropriateness and the adverse impact of the proposed turbine on the openness of the Green Belt.”

He agrees that the council “is right to point out that this turbine is not in the immediate vicinity it is clearly visible and influences the character of the area and the setting of Sands House” but he says “I do not consider that the turbine would have a detrimental impact on the setting of Sands House or the character and appearance of the area.”

Regarding the council’s proposed suggested conditions he adds that “it is necessary in the interests of the visual amenity of the area to require the removal of the turbine should it cease to be operational and for cables to be laid underground.

“However, given the likely limited works necessary to install and dismantle the turbine, I see no need to require a restoration scheme.”