Serving West Park Homes, West Park Drive, West Park Terrace
THE WESTFIELD LANE WIND FARM PROJECT
PROJECT DEVELOPER: BANKS RENEWABLES TOW LAW COUNTY DURHAM
We have just been told that the Highways Agency's have no objections to the proposed wind farm provided conditions are met which include re-designing and re-construction of the A1 Westfield Lane junction before work starts, and road accident surveys are to be done 12 and 36 months after the wind farm begins to operate.
W.M.D.C. planning department have said that on environmental matters they had now decided not to use a consultant and would rely instead on reports from their own specialists.
W.M.D.C. planning officer Becky Eades is expected to now start writing her report to either recommend it or not recommend it to go to the planning committee.
Banks Developments have at last responded to P.W.A.G's Objection Document by engaging an Environment and Planning Consultant to comment on our assertions that Went Edge and the surrounding communities would be devastated by the proposal. Surprisingly the consultant does not contest what we have said, but tries to make the case that government policy and environmental targets placed by government on local authorities should prevail over local conditions. How can that be right? Why don't Banks, the government and their consultants look for the most appropriate sites and promote them together so that inappropriate sites such as Westfield Lane do not waste so much time and public money before being thrown out.
P.W.A.G. will respond to the developer's comments just as robustly as in our Objection Document. We have not yet seen any argument that supports Westfield Lane as a site for a wind farm. In fact there isn't one.
It is still not too late to object to this planning application 07/1338/FUL select "How to object to the wind farm" and "Standard letters" from the main menu, or write to Wakefield M.D.C.
P.W.A.G. will respond to the developer's comments just as robustly as in our Objection Document. We have not yet seen any argument that supports Westfield Lane as a site for a wind farm. In fact there isn't one.
It is still not too late to object to this planning application 07/1338/FUL select "How to object to the wind farm" and "Standard letters" from the main menu, or write to Wakefield M.D.C.
Developer behind wind farm scheme are set to respond to objectors within days.
ANSWERS look to be finally on the way for campaigners battling plans for a wind farm in Darrington. W.P.H.A.G. have been told it can expect a response from developers within days about their objections to the plans for six turbines as tall as Big Ben on greenbelt land off Westfield lane Darrington.
W.P.H.A.G. has fought to halt the plans by Banks Developments, which are too close to homes and will ruin our peaceful community and drive down house prices. Members have already put forward objections at a meeting with Wakefield Council Planning bosses.
Now we have been told that the developers are ready to come back with answers. The developers response should be very interesting. We are hoping to be able to attend a meeting between Banks and the council. The developers seem to have taken a very arrogant stance and seem to think they will answer all our objections within the planning application but that’s very unlikely.
“We will be pressing for answers as these plans are not acceptable for residents.” A Wakefield Council landscape architect has already drafted a response to the plans, branding the design as “unsympathetic, obtrusive and totally out of character in the location that is proposed”.
The WPHAG is already angry after the 60m test mast was erected this month on the site, despite being refused by Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee. A government inspector overturned the council’s decision. Banks says the turbines will help fulfill the district’s renewable energy targets.
W.P.H.A.G. has fought to halt the plans by Banks Developments, which are too close to homes and will ruin our peaceful community and drive down house prices. Members have already put forward objections at a meeting with Wakefield Council Planning bosses.
Now we have been told that the developers are ready to come back with answers. The developers response should be very interesting. We are hoping to be able to attend a meeting between Banks and the council. The developers seem to have taken a very arrogant stance and seem to think they will answer all our objections within the planning application but that’s very unlikely.
“We will be pressing for answers as these plans are not acceptable for residents.” A Wakefield Council landscape architect has already drafted a response to the plans, branding the design as “unsympathetic, obtrusive and totally out of character in the location that is proposed”.
The WPHAG is already angry after the 60m test mast was erected this month on the site, despite being refused by Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee. A government inspector overturned the council’s decision. Banks says the turbines will help fulfill the district’s renewable energy targets.
Campaigners fighting a controversial wind farm development have received a welcome boost after several high-profile figures added their backing to the cause.
Pontefract Windfarm Action Group (PWAG), led by residents from Darrington, West Park, Wentbridge, Carleton and East Hardwick, are battling the development of a 125m high wind farm at Westfield Lane, Darrington.
They have collected signatures opposing the development from prominent figures including former Labour MP and Speaker in the House of Commons, Lord Lofthouse, deputy leader of the Conservative group, Geoff Walsh, and Labour Councillor Trevor Izon.
Campaign leader Celia Smith said “We have started to encourage people to sign up to this petition so that the developers realise there local opposition. “There are a number of problems with the development. “There are health issues and issues with how near it is to peoples homes.
“There is a Residential Park Home site situated within 500 meters of the area where the development is. It is incredibly close. We are one of the closest sites in the UK.
“We are very concerned about the effect it will have on people living nearby. There will be noise pollution. “also we are very concerned about shadow flicker, which happens when the sun is behind the rotating blades and can cause epileptic fits.
“On top of this, the wind farm will be a major blight on the landscape. It will completely spoil the view. “We support renewable energy projects, and we need to look at good alternatives.”
They have collected signatures opposing the development from prominent figures including former Labour MP and Speaker in the House of Commons, Lord Lofthouse, deputy leader of the Conservative group, Geoff Walsh, and Labour Councillor Trevor Izon.
Campaign leader Celia Smith said “We have started to encourage people to sign up to this petition so that the developers realise there local opposition. “There are a number of problems with the development. “There are health issues and issues with how near it is to peoples homes.
“There is a Residential Park Home site situated within 500 meters of the area where the development is. It is incredibly close. We are one of the closest sites in the UK.
“We are very concerned about the effect it will have on people living nearby. There will be noise pollution. “also we are very concerned about shadow flicker, which happens when the sun is behind the rotating blades and can cause epileptic fits.
“On top of this, the wind farm will be a major blight on the landscape. It will completely spoil the view. “We support renewable energy projects, and we need to look at good alternatives.”
Turbines erected within 700mtrs of residential dwellings home to retired people whose disposable income would not allow another move.Home to people who were now going to be overshadowed by monster turbines elderly people who already suffer with degeneration caused by age would now be subjected to sleep deprivation,shadow flicker and the quiet enjoyment of their homes &gardens (human rights) would be denied them.
I ask the question can this be allowed in order to line the pockets of the developers who have seen a niche in the market to boost their coffers? Maybe their elderly relations would care to purchase a park home and live under the shadow of the monster turbines it is my belief that they would not.Please if you have not made your objections heard do so without delay your objection may just save over 200 people from spending the autumn of their lives in misery.
For further info log onto www.wphag.co.uk or www.dated.org.uk You may also wish to telephone Sylvia on 07960 980 865.
This article was written on behalf of West Park Hamlet.
by Sylvia White
I ask the question can this be allowed in order to line the pockets of the developers who have seen a niche in the market to boost their coffers? Maybe their elderly relations would care to purchase a park home and live under the shadow of the monster turbines it is my belief that they would not.Please if you have not made your objections heard do so without delay your objection may just save over 200 people from spending the autumn of their lives in misery.
For further info log onto www.wphag.co.uk or www.dated.org.uk You may also wish to telephone Sylvia on 07960 980 865.
This article was written on behalf of West Park Hamlet.
by Sylvia White
Published 01-02-2008
The Application for a Wind Mast on land adjacent to Westfield Lane,Darrington was finally approved by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State on the 27 December 2007. This was just over 10 months since the Application was first submitted to the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council Planning Department.
The decision, although a disappointment to members of The Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group, was inevitable, considering the high profile pressure being exerted by national government to establish some visible proof of their commitment to Renewable Energy.
The main objective of The W.P.H.A.G. is to prevent the construction of a Wind Farm in the South Pontefract Area and we will not be detracted from achieving this objective by this minor setback.The Wind Farm developer Banks Developments Ltd, in seeking this decision from the Inspectorate will not be too pleased with the findings of Inspector Philip Major.
The Application for a Wind Mast on land adjacent to Westfield Lane,Darrington was finally approved by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State on the 27 December 2007. This was just over 10 months since the Application was first submitted to the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council Planning Department. The decision, although a disappointment to members of The W.P.H.A.G. , was inevitable, considering the high profile pressure being exerted by national government to establish some visible proof of their commitment to Renewable Energy. The main objective of The W.P.H.A.G. Action Group is to prevent the construction of a Wind Farm in the South Pontefract Area and we will not be detracted from achieving this objective by this minor setback.
The Wind Farm developer Banks Developments Ltd, in seeking this decision from the Inspectorate will not be too pleased with the findings of Inspector Philip Major. Conditions attached to the decision give them a maximum of three years to complete their investigation and return the land to it’s original state and they have to complete a comprehensive recording to protect the archaeology of the area, a potentially expensive exercise.
From a planning point of view the report by Philip Major is a document,written by an experienced professional,which presents a qualified view of the landscape and the possible harm that any inappropriate construction could cause. He states ,for example:-
“Particularly when seen from the west,the ridge is an attractive and relatively unspoilt tract of countryside which clearly offers a valuable recreational resource” "views towards the west are impressive and encompass countryside and villages which are also relatively unspoilt” “the rolling agricultural land is a valuable resource close to densely populated and industrialised locations”
When assessing impact on Landscape these are very strong words from a qualified inspector and establish without doubt the level of harm a six turbine Wind Farm would cause. Philip Major goes on to say:- “I am informed that UDP Policy OL20 is supportive of renewable energy proposals where, amongst other things, the effects on the landscape of the area,are acceptable.Though I do not have a full extract of that policy,in view of the fact I have determined the proposal would result in some harm to the landscape,I conclude that there is conflict with the policy.”
What we have to bear in mind is that Philip Major is only considering a slender wind mast and mitigates the “ conflict with the policy” by the minor nature of the development.In the case of the Wind Farm ,however, the landscape description remains but it will be difficult to establish mitigating circumstances, such as minor intrusion, when talking about third generation wind turbines or even ancilliary buildings.
The W.P.H.A.G. urge the case officers involved with the determination of this Windfarm Application to seriously take on board the comments of Philip Major. Tony Hames, Chairman of Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group commented:-
"We endorse the fact that the area is “ a valuable recreational resource” and that the “countryside and villages are relatively unspoilt” and the fact that he states there is a conflict with policy means there is only one possible decision for this proposal, - REJECTION."
The decision, although a disappointment to members of The Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group, was inevitable, considering the high profile pressure being exerted by national government to establish some visible proof of their commitment to Renewable Energy.
The main objective of The W.P.H.A.G. is to prevent the construction of a Wind Farm in the South Pontefract Area and we will not be detracted from achieving this objective by this minor setback.The Wind Farm developer Banks Developments Ltd, in seeking this decision from the Inspectorate will not be too pleased with the findings of Inspector Philip Major.
The Application for a Wind Mast on land adjacent to Westfield Lane,Darrington was finally approved by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State on the 27 December 2007. This was just over 10 months since the Application was first submitted to the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council Planning Department. The decision, although a disappointment to members of The W.P.H.A.G. , was inevitable, considering the high profile pressure being exerted by national government to establish some visible proof of their commitment to Renewable Energy. The main objective of The W.P.H.A.G. Action Group is to prevent the construction of a Wind Farm in the South Pontefract Area and we will not be detracted from achieving this objective by this minor setback.
The Wind Farm developer Banks Developments Ltd, in seeking this decision from the Inspectorate will not be too pleased with the findings of Inspector Philip Major. Conditions attached to the decision give them a maximum of three years to complete their investigation and return the land to it’s original state and they have to complete a comprehensive recording to protect the archaeology of the area, a potentially expensive exercise.
From a planning point of view the report by Philip Major is a document,written by an experienced professional,which presents a qualified view of the landscape and the possible harm that any inappropriate construction could cause. He states ,for example:-
“Particularly when seen from the west,the ridge is an attractive and relatively unspoilt tract of countryside which clearly offers a valuable recreational resource” "views towards the west are impressive and encompass countryside and villages which are also relatively unspoilt” “the rolling agricultural land is a valuable resource close to densely populated and industrialised locations”
When assessing impact on Landscape these are very strong words from a qualified inspector and establish without doubt the level of harm a six turbine Wind Farm would cause. Philip Major goes on to say:- “I am informed that UDP Policy OL20 is supportive of renewable energy proposals where, amongst other things, the effects on the landscape of the area,are acceptable.Though I do not have a full extract of that policy,in view of the fact I have determined the proposal would result in some harm to the landscape,I conclude that there is conflict with the policy.”
What we have to bear in mind is that Philip Major is only considering a slender wind mast and mitigates the “ conflict with the policy” by the minor nature of the development.In the case of the Wind Farm ,however, the landscape description remains but it will be difficult to establish mitigating circumstances, such as minor intrusion, when talking about third generation wind turbines or even ancilliary buildings.
The W.P.H.A.G. urge the case officers involved with the determination of this Windfarm Application to seriously take on board the comments of Philip Major. Tony Hames, Chairman of Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group commented:-
"We endorse the fact that the area is “ a valuable recreational resource” and that the “countryside and villages are relatively unspoilt” and the fact that he states there is a conflict with policy means there is only one possible decision for this proposal, - REJECTION."
Un-elected officials decide on turbines?
by William Green, The Journal
GORDON Brown is facing a Labour revolt over proposals to hand un-elected officials the final planning decision on major wind farms and other key projects.
Nine of the region's Labour MPs have signed a Parliamentary motion, along with 54 colleagues, expressing alarm over the proposed Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
Ministers insist the shake-up will make the planning process faster and cheaper, but the motion - signed by 106 MPs overall - warns it would give the independent IPC "inordinate and unprecedented" powers to push through developments against public opposition.
The changes would move final decisions on planning applications from major wind farms, motorways, airports and power stations in England and Wales to unelected officials and away from ministers accountable to Parliament.
The developments come after The Journal last year highlighted warnings from campaigners that communities in the North could be left without any "meaningful" say in the planning process because of the changes. But a rebel amendment expected to be debated when the Planning Bill returns to the Commons today would limit the IPC to making recommendations on matters of national strategic importance, with final decisions resting with the Secretary of State.
North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who signed the motion, said the planning system needed streamlining for major projects such as the next generation of power stations, with decisions currently taken at a "snail's pace". But he added: "I wouldn't like to see those powers transferred to anyone who is not democratically accountable, which the Secretary of State is." Other North East MPs who have signed the motion are David Clelland, Sharon Hodgson, Stephen Hepburn, Jim Cousins, Bill Etherington, Chris Mullin and David Anderson.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warned the shake-up would be bad for the North East with decisions taken in London rather than in the region. Dominic Coupe, chairman of CPRE in Northumberland, said: "When parts of the North East are 350 miles away from the central location of this new quango, it is only naturally going to be true that decisions are less informed and sensitive to local needs."
Planning minister John Healey indicated the Government remained open to further discussions on fine-tuning the Bill, but insisted the IPC would strengthen the involvement of Parliament in the planning process and give local people a greater say. He said Ministers currently make decisions on major planning proposals without reference to Parliament and judgments can only be challenged through the courts.
But the IPC would make decisions within national policy statements drawn up by ministers and scrutinised by Parliament and subject to wide public consultation. Commissioners would have to report to Parliament and give evidence to select committees
Energy company unveils more wind farm plans
ANGER erupted yesterday after a green energy company revealed a wind farm project in part of Northumberland where the fate of plans for 59 giant turbines is still undecided.
Npower renewables is launching a public consultation exercise on a bid for eight 125m-high turbines at remote Kirkharle - and will submit a formal planning application to Tynedale Council later this year.
The move comes as a major public inquiry continues into three separate applications which could result in 59 turbines being erected at Green Rigg Fell near Birtley, on the Ray Estate and at Kirkwhelpington. Ministers will decide on the trio of bids by Wind Prospect Developments, Amec Project Investments and Steadings Wind Farm following the conclusion of the hearing later this year.
As well as the three bids under discussion at the inquiry and the npower renewables scheme, two other potential turbine sites are also in the pipeline at Throckrington and Tone Hill. Npower renewables says it wants to assess public opinion about its proposal.
Yesterday Carol Brodie of Great Bavington, who chairs the Campaign for Responsible Energy Development in Tynedale (Credit), said npower was showing a "complete lack of respect" for the feelings of local residents.
Npower renewables has developed an on-line questionnaire, set up a telephone information line.
People can find out more at www.npower-renewables.com/kirkharle or by calling 0845 459-4069.
GORDON Brown is facing a Labour revolt over proposals to hand un-elected officials the final planning decision on major wind farms and other key projects.
Nine of the region's Labour MPs have signed a Parliamentary motion, along with 54 colleagues, expressing alarm over the proposed Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
Ministers insist the shake-up will make the planning process faster and cheaper, but the motion - signed by 106 MPs overall - warns it would give the independent IPC "inordinate and unprecedented" powers to push through developments against public opposition.
The changes would move final decisions on planning applications from major wind farms, motorways, airports and power stations in England and Wales to unelected officials and away from ministers accountable to Parliament.
The developments come after The Journal last year highlighted warnings from campaigners that communities in the North could be left without any "meaningful" say in the planning process because of the changes. But a rebel amendment expected to be debated when the Planning Bill returns to the Commons today would limit the IPC to making recommendations on matters of national strategic importance, with final decisions resting with the Secretary of State.
North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who signed the motion, said the planning system needed streamlining for major projects such as the next generation of power stations, with decisions currently taken at a "snail's pace". But he added: "I wouldn't like to see those powers transferred to anyone who is not democratically accountable, which the Secretary of State is." Other North East MPs who have signed the motion are David Clelland, Sharon Hodgson, Stephen Hepburn, Jim Cousins, Bill Etherington, Chris Mullin and David Anderson.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warned the shake-up would be bad for the North East with decisions taken in London rather than in the region. Dominic Coupe, chairman of CPRE in Northumberland, said: "When parts of the North East are 350 miles away from the central location of this new quango, it is only naturally going to be true that decisions are less informed and sensitive to local needs."
Planning minister John Healey indicated the Government remained open to further discussions on fine-tuning the Bill, but insisted the IPC would strengthen the involvement of Parliament in the planning process and give local people a greater say. He said Ministers currently make decisions on major planning proposals without reference to Parliament and judgments can only be challenged through the courts.
But the IPC would make decisions within national policy statements drawn up by ministers and scrutinised by Parliament and subject to wide public consultation. Commissioners would have to report to Parliament and give evidence to select committees
Energy company unveils more wind farm plans
ANGER erupted yesterday after a green energy company revealed a wind farm project in part of Northumberland where the fate of plans for 59 giant turbines is still undecided.
Npower renewables is launching a public consultation exercise on a bid for eight 125m-high turbines at remote Kirkharle - and will submit a formal planning application to Tynedale Council later this year.
The move comes as a major public inquiry continues into three separate applications which could result in 59 turbines being erected at Green Rigg Fell near Birtley, on the Ray Estate and at Kirkwhelpington. Ministers will decide on the trio of bids by Wind Prospect Developments, Amec Project Investments and Steadings Wind Farm following the conclusion of the hearing later this year.
As well as the three bids under discussion at the inquiry and the npower renewables scheme, two other potential turbine sites are also in the pipeline at Throckrington and Tone Hill. Npower renewables says it wants to assess public opinion about its proposal.
Yesterday Carol Brodie of Great Bavington, who chairs the Campaign for Responsible Energy Development in Tynedale (Credit), said npower was showing a "complete lack of respect" for the feelings of local residents.
Npower renewables has developed an on-line questionnaire, set up a telephone information line.
People can find out more at www.npower-renewables.com/kirkharle or by calling 0845 459-4069.
There’s often a perception that our grey, overcast skies make solar power a virtual impossibility for all but a few weeks of the year. But two kinds of solar power are possible here – solar thermal to heat water, and photovoltaics (PV) to create electricity.The most affordable of those options is solar thermal, which creates hot water from a rooftop panel.
The other type is Photovoltaics, meaning electricity from light. It uses silicon cells to charge electricity for powering household appliances. The high price of photovoltaics is still a deterrent but costs will start to come down over the next decade.
The other type is Photovoltaics, meaning electricity from light. It uses silicon cells to charge electricity for powering household appliances. The high price of photovoltaics is still a deterrent but costs will start to come down over the next decade.
You may not be aware of a hamlet called West Park in particular the tranquil oasis of West Park Homes. A park home estate nestling within bucolic surroundings under the auspice of Darrington.Here the residents have chosen to retire to their dream home living a peaceful existence amongst their peers.The hustle and bustle of city life left behind they enjoy their hobbies reading,dancing,inviting the neighbours to sit in their well tended gardens listening to the birds singing.
Then along came Banks Developments (a cheerful group of people from the North East) to save the world and make some money along the way!A proposal to erect 125mtr high turbines on the Westfield Lane site just across the road. Their enthusiasm to trickle a little more electricity into the area already housing three power stations was overwhelming. Convinced they would make a great difference to the renewable energy target in the area they presented their proposal to WMDC planning dept,at the same time held a public exhibition. Even suggesting that Banks would make donations to worthy causes in the area being a benevolent company.
The plans submitted were as professional as their employees, or were they? An empty 7acre site marked’ caravan site’ was there for all to see.Oh you may think a caravan touring park just behind West Park Terrace and West Park Drive residential properties well it wont effect them!The residents of West Park Homes would beg to differ over 170 of them!over 200 counting the Drive & Terrace. Suddenly the realisation hit home the residents were being ignored their existence denied.This was not an empty touring park but a residential park consisting of over 80 luxury park homes wooden construction but nevertheless there they were.
Then along came Banks Developments (a cheerful group of people from the North East) to save the world and make some money along the way!A proposal to erect 125mtr high turbines on the Westfield Lane site just across the road. Their enthusiasm to trickle a little more electricity into the area already housing three power stations was overwhelming. Convinced they would make a great difference to the renewable energy target in the area they presented their proposal to WMDC planning dept,at the same time held a public exhibition. Even suggesting that Banks would make donations to worthy causes in the area being a benevolent company.
The plans submitted were as professional as their employees, or were they? An empty 7acre site marked’ caravan site’ was there for all to see.Oh you may think a caravan touring park just behind West Park Terrace and West Park Drive residential properties well it wont effect them!The residents of West Park Homes would beg to differ over 170 of them!over 200 counting the Drive & Terrace. Suddenly the realisation hit home the residents were being ignored their existence denied.This was not an empty touring park but a residential park consisting of over 80 luxury park homes wooden construction but nevertheless there they were.
Public Meeting at Darrington Golf Club
Another Full House at the Darrington Golf Club.
Residents from local communities gathered in the Main Hall at Darrington Golf Club to hear the latest details in the fight to stop a Wind Farm Development on Westfield Lane Darrington.
More than 100 + concerned residents heard Chairman, Tony Hames (PWAG) open the meeting and discuss several important issues regarding the application to erect a wind monitoring mast at the Westfield Lane site. Mr Hames indicated that a delay of up to 19 weeks was now possible before an independent site inspection could be made, with at least another 5 weeks before the results were known. Bringing the date to around early to mid March 2008.
Geoff Shackleton spoke about why we were objecting to the proposed development. Ron Watson also spoke about the long-term effects of ultra sound generated by wind farms. All in all quite an in depth report, details about the effects of ultra sound and the effects on the human body can be found in our technical section.
Residents from local communities gathered in the Main Hall at Darrington Golf Club to hear the latest details in the fight to stop a Wind Farm Development on Westfield Lane Darrington.
More than 100 + concerned residents heard Chairman, Tony Hames (PWAG) open the meeting and discuss several important issues regarding the application to erect a wind monitoring mast at the Westfield Lane site. Mr Hames indicated that a delay of up to 19 weeks was now possible before an independent site inspection could be made, with at least another 5 weeks before the results were known. Bringing the date to around early to mid March 2008.
Geoff Shackleton spoke about why we were objecting to the proposed development. Ron Watson also spoke about the long-term effects of ultra sound generated by wind farms. All in all quite an in depth report, details about the effects of ultra sound and the effects on the human body can be found in our technical section.
Les Driffield, a resident of East Hardwick, spoke of the urgency to continue lodging objection letters. He stated that reports had been received from various sources that market traders in areas that would not be directly effected by the wind farm, had stalls advertising support for the wind farm campaign but further investigation revealed the petition was a vote in favour of the wind farm. He urged all residents to contact friends and families and to get them to lodge objections.
Letters of objection currently stand at around 1360, with 400 voting in favour.
The meeting closed at 21:15
Yvette Cooper visits West Park
Yvette CooperOur local Member for Parliament, Yvette Cooper visited West Park Homes on Friday 22 June 2007 to meet local residents and listen to their views regarding the recent planning application to erect six 125m tall wind turbines on Went Edge between Darrington and Wentbridge. Yvette was welcomed by the owner Mrs Valerie Miller and met with a number of residents who discussed their concerns about erecting a wind farm so close to domestic dwellings and to the A1.
Yvette listened carefully as residents highlighted their fears of the potential of shadow flicker which is caused by wind turbine blades as they rotate, cutting through the rays from the sun or moon resulting in a strobe-light effect.
Residents believe this could have potential serious consequences for drivers in the nearby vicinity, particularly the very busy A1, and for properties on West Park. Noise from the wind turbines was also raised as a potential problem particularly later in the evening when traffic on the A1 reduces.
Yvette listened carefully as residents highlighted their fears of the potential of shadow flicker which is caused by wind turbine blades as they rotate, cutting through the rays from the sun or moon resulting in a strobe-light effect.
Residents believe this could have potential serious consequences for drivers in the nearby vicinity, particularly the very busy A1, and for properties on West Park. Noise from the wind turbines was also raised as a potential problem particularly later in the evening when traffic on the A1 reduces.
Yvette C.ooper with Valerie Miller listening to a West Park residents’ concerns . Valerie Miller commented "We are grateful that Yvette could spare some time from her busy schedule to visit West Park Homes and give us the opportunity to discuss our concerns about this planning application."
Dr. Thomas Markvart of Southampton University says photovoltaics could provide a substantial amount of the electricity Britain needs, but the problem is trying to store that power for when we need it most – on dark winter evenings. At present there is no mechanism for storing electricity generated on long summer days for use in winter.
But an idea that is gathering force among a growing group of engineers, scientists and academics around the world is the plan to build large solar plants in the Sahara desert to provide enough electricity for the Middle East and North Africa and enough to export to Europe. Costing the Earth reports on the viability of solar power and visits Egypt where one of the first plants that could provide us with electricity is under construction.
But an idea that is gathering force among a growing group of engineers, scientists and academics around the world is the plan to build large solar plants in the Sahara desert to provide enough electricity for the Middle East and North Africa and enough to export to Europe. Costing the Earth reports on the viability of solar power and visits Egypt where one of the first plants that could provide us with electricity is under construction.
W.M.D.C.'s Landscape Architects Statement
Summary of response by B Tupper, PLA for Wakefield MDC:- "The turbines are close to residential dwellings.
Their height results in them being visible over a relatively large area and the impact on the Landscape Character of Went Edge will be severe. Their design is unsympathetic, obtrusive and totally out of character in the location that is proposd and will destroy the historic landscape. The proposed site is Green Belt and their scale and appearance will not blend in with the rural landscape. The landscape of the area would be irreparably damaged."
Their height results in them being visible over a relatively large area and the impact on the Landscape Character of Went Edge will be severe. Their design is unsympathetic, obtrusive and totally out of character in the location that is proposd and will destroy the historic landscape. The proposed site is Green Belt and their scale and appearance will not blend in with the rural landscape. The landscape of the area would be irreparably damaged."
Westfield Lane Wind Farm site looking from Wentbridge