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Greenfield wind turbines would be ‘blot on the landscape’
Credit: Published date: 06 November 2013 | Published by: Owen Evans | News North Wales | www.newsnorthwales.co.uk ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
Two 110 metre-high wind turbines would be a blot on the landscape of one of Flintshire’s ‘crown jewels’, according to a community leader.
Greenfield councillor Rosetta Dolphin has urged planning committee members to reject a plan for a pair of 360ft turbines.
She said the plans to build the turbines and supporting structures on the Greenfield Business Park would “only detract” from the beauty of the Greenfield Valley.
The plans, which were lodged by Kingspan Ltd, will be discussed by members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee today.
Cllr Dolphin, who is unable to attend this afternoon’s meeting, cited the effect on wildlife, the landscape and on air traffic among her reasons for rejecting the turbine bid.
“Greenfield Valley is one of Flintshire’s crown jewels and two large turbines in this locality can only detract from an area now known for its flowing waters, and visited for peace, tranquilty, wildlife and farm museum,” she said.
“I would urge the committee to refuse the application.
“There are many objectors like John Lennon Airport, Airbus UK, and Police Aviation (helicopters) to name but a few.
“According to Welsh Government guidelines, the close proximity of the Ancient Monument, Grade one listed Basingwerk Abbey is unacceptable.”
She added that the plans, which have been recommended for refusal by council officers, could affect the lives of people living nearby.
She said: “Flicker (moving shadows at different times of the year) will affect all.
“Birds will die, as they will fly into the moving blades, the Dee Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest classified as one of, if not the most important, sites in the UK for breeding and migratory bird population.”
Cllr Dolphin made it clear she supported Kingspan Ltd. as a company, but that she could not accept these plans.
She said: “Kingspan, is a friend and supporter of Greenfield and beyond and are often the first to come forwards with volunteers and innovative ideas for the good of our community.
“Kingspan is a green company, but in this particular instance the impact on the people and the area is totally unacceptable in the form presented.”
The plan has also received 50 letters of objection.
Mark Potts, senior development manager at Wind Direct, the agent acting for Kingspan, moved to dispel the arguments made by Cllr Dolphin.
He said the environmental health officer found no problems with flicker, several agencies found no problems with the ecology of the site and that issues with air travel could be solved with conditions.
Regarding the close proximity to Basingwerk Abbey, he said the site was close but the benefits of the turbines would outweigh this.
He added: “I think the overall benefits of the scheme is important
“Kingspan employ 388 people, 201 of which live within Flintshire and it will make the business a much more viable business.”
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