Training use plan for quarry wind turbine on Wenlock Edge

Originally two turbines were planned by Edge Renewables. But it now wants to put one at the site in Lea Quarry, near Much Wenlock, and says it would be assembled and disassembled for training and accreditation purposes.

The schemehas attracted strong objections as the site is on Wenlock Edge.

But case officer Grahame French, in a report to Tuesday's Shropshire Council south planning committee meeting, has recommended approval.

He said the need for such a training facility could be justified as an extension of the company's renewable energy activities.

His report states: "The turbine would be of a low profile design, only slightly taller than the highest building in the plant yard, and would be located in a well contained part of Lea Quarry, immediately adjacent to the operational plant yard area.

"Views towards the proposed turbine would be very limited."

Mr French said while objections had been received about the effect on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there would not be any adverse effect on the appearance.

He said it also brought employment benefits.

Much Wenlock Town Council had opposed the initial application, but is now behind the new scheme.

And Much Wenlock Civic Society said the development lay in an environmentally and scientifically sensitive area.

The plans have also been opposed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which claims approval would seriously compromise the nationally important landscape character of Wenlock Edge.

Edge Renewables occupied Lea Quarry as a tenant in late 2011 and acquired the site in December 2012.