Wenlock Edge wind turbine plan is delayed

Landowner William Cash said it was vital areas of the countryside such as Wenlock Edge were preserved for future generations to enjoy.

He made the claims after members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee deferred a ruling on plans to build a 16-metre high turbine at Lea Quarry, which lies in Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Councillors have requested more information about how the turbine, which applicants Edge Renewables say will mainly be used for training purposes, would operate before making a final decision.

Mr Cash, who lives at Upton Cressett Hall, near Bridgnorth, has fought campaigns against plans to build a wind turbine and a solar farm in the area.

He said: "The fact it's been deferred is good news because finally people are waking up the iconic status of Wenlock Edge.

"It's vitally important the landscape of Shropshire is protected."

AONBs are areas protected from widespread development by law to conserve the landscape.

The renewable energy company had originally applied for two turbines – one to be used for training and one to help power its business. But they decided to reduce it to one following protests from local people.

At a meeting in Shirehall yesterday, councillors decided to request more details about how long the turbine would remain upright or on the ground while it was being used for training purposes.

Councillor Robert Tindall, who represents Brown Clee, said: "This would be in an area of outstanding natural beauty and it would be better to defer this application until we have more information."

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said

said: "I feel the default position of these turbines should be down – these would be in the wrong position. If the primary position was down I think I could support it."