Inquiry told of 'unacceptable' turbines

A public inquiry into whether seven 110-metre tall wind turbines can be built on farmland near Market Drayton has heard the development would have an "unacceptable" impact.

The claim was made on day one of the hearing by Tina Douglass, a barrister representing campaign group Veto on Rural Turbine Expansion (Vortex).

At Woore Victory Hall yesterday she said: "The extent and severity of the visual impact is greater than the appellant recognises.

"The evidence will show that the impact on the historical and cultural aspects of the landscape is extensive and unacceptable."

She added that work to build an access road to the windfarm would leave residents and businesses in Woore and the surrounding area facing a lengthy road closure to their "veritable lifeline" the B5026 road.

The inquiry was sparked when applicant Nuon Renewables appealed against decisions to refuse planning permission for the turbines and an access road to the site between Knighton and Bearstone.

The now defunct North Shropshire District Council and Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council both rejected separate planning applications last year.

Part of the inquiry's job is to decide whether the councils took the right decisions in refusing the plans.

Government planning inspector Trevor Cookson said the inquiry is to last about three weeks.