Turbines 'would not spoil views'

A proposed windfarm near Market Drayton would not spoil "magnificent" views from a historic hunting lodge on the north Shropshire border, a public inquiry has heard.

Dr Jonathan Edis, a historian who was called to give evidence by applicant Nuon Renewables, made the claim during the inquiry considering plans for the windfarm on farmland at Lower Farm, Bearstone.

He said the turbines, which would produce enough energy to power 6,000 homes, would not have an impact on the setting of the grade II-listed Willoughbridge Lodge, near Knighton.

But Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council representatives said views of Shropshire and Cheshire from the lodge's tower would be marred if seven 110m-tall turbines were allowed.

Council planning officers had said the windfarm would be within the "wider setting" of the lodge because of the impact on the views.

But Dr Edis told the inquiry the turbines were well outside the lodge setting and should be considered in a similar way to farm buildings already dotted around the rural site.

The turbines would, he said, be "part of the new working environment" in the countryside, which is already home to many farm buildings and agricultural developments.

He said: "The listed building description for Willoughbridge Lodge states there are magnificent views over the plain from the tower.

"I appreciate the tower was designed to take advantage of those views, but I don't accept the setting of the lodge goes as far as the eyes can see.

"I take the view there is one setting and it should be defined and is definable.

"The setting does not continue to flow out depending on where you stand. It's not incremental and is in fact finite."

He said views from the tower, designed to give hunting parties clear lines of sight, would have been altered over two centuries because of natural and man-made changes to the environment.

The inquiry, being held by Trevor Cookson, a Government planning inspector, was triggered when Nuon Renewables appealed against the refusal of planning permission by councils in Shropshire and Staffordshire for its plans for the windfarm and access road.

The inquiry continues.

By Tom Johannsen