Plans for a 60-metre high wind monitoring mast next to a Shropshire reservoir have been thrown out by councillors who claimed it would be a “monstrosity” in the countryside.
The proposal for the 200ft mast at Chelmarsh reservoir, near Bridgnorth, was thought to signal the first step in a plan to build one or more wind turbines at the site.
But members of Bridgnorth District Council’s development control committee voted unanimously to reject the application last night, with one councillor abstaining.
South Staffordshire Water wanted to install the mast to monitor wind speeds and assess whether the site would be suitable for wind turbines.
The company wants to put wind turbines in the area so they can use renewable energy sources.
The proposal angered residents living in the area.
South Staffordshire Water has the right to appeal against the council’s decision.
Councillor Norman Cottrell said the mast should not be allowed because it would be a blot on the landscape that could harm wildlife.
He said: “I object to this most strongly. At 60 metres high it is going to be seen from all over the district.
“It is a most beautiful part of the country and any monstrosity of that size will be a total blot on the landscape.”
Councillor Colin Taylor agreed, saying the site alongside Chelmarsh reservoir was the wrong place for a tall mast.
“It is not that anybody is against renewable energy but this is an absolutely pristine, beautiful area,” he said.
“I can’t see the point of doing a trial for something that I hope would be rejected in this area.”
The committee’s vote went against the advice of planning officers, who had recommended councillors gave permission.
In a report to the committee, agents for South Staffordshire Water said it would not necessarily lead to an application for wind turbines.
Chelmarsh Parish Council had already objected to the 60-metre tall mast although they said if the application was granted permission it should be in place for at least a year in order to judge the situation.
By Simon Alton
11 Comments
Another act of folly by a Shropshire council. The green and pleasant land won’t stay green if we don’t go green.
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No doubt these people will be the same people who will authorise 1000 houses to be built on any spare piece of land.
People, please do your research before dismissing these ideas!
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Yet another example of mimbyism!
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I totally agree with Harold St John Peasbody.
I have seen wind power turbines do a great job in California.
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Another predictable reponse from our head in the sand council.
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We should give them a choice.
A nuclear power station
Or
A wind farm
I’m pretty sure would go for the latter, it clearly a case of not in our back yard.
Having spoken to people about wind farms in the past with have all agreed that they can look majestic and can add to the landscape.
But when it comes to it the council have no backbone.
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Why are we surprised? The problem with our system of councils in the UK is that the people who stand for election are all idiots or have a self interest. How can we expect sensible decisions from them?
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What is it with this country, all last week the news is tooking about we need to go green , So when the county is tooking about making the county greener the council dont wont to now,
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How on earth can they say these turbines are ugly? ELECTRICITY PYLONS i tend to think look quite gross although they too serve a purpose BRING IN THE TURBINES!!!!!
pretty and efficient 2 for the price of 1 !
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Yes. Nuclear power station for Bridgnorth. Just knock down the council offices, and build it there!
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If you lot are so clever stop knockin everyone, get off your buts and get elected
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