Bridgnorth turbine plans are thrown out 

Three controversial wind turbines have been turned down by planners, who said they would be a blot on the Shropshire landscape.

Plans for one 250ft turbine on The Hills in The Down, Bridgnorth, and separate plans for two 150ft turbines north of Sydnall Farm in Middleton Priors were both rejected because of the potential effects on the countryside.

The power project for The Down had already raised significant opposition, attracting 257 objections from people in the area.

Many campaigners against the turbines addressed a meeting of Shropshire Council’s south planning committee at Shirehall.

They included Hugh Trevor-Jones, who lives close to the site of the proposed turbine near Bridgnorth.

He said: “If erected, this skyline construction would be as high as a 26 storey building and twice as high as the Lord Hill statue.”

Another, Chetton parish councillor Sue Bayliss, added: “Never have we had such a contentious issue to deal with on the parish council. No-one wants this turbine but no one seems to listen to the community.”

Committee members were unanimous in their decision that the Bridgnorth turbine was too large and would cause serious harm to the landscape.

Councillor Robert Tindall said: “I am not against wind turbines per se but something of this height will seriously change the landscape of this very lovely part of south Shropshire.”

The decision raised a round of applause from the packed public audience at the meeting.

The two turbines north of Syndall Farm had received no objection in principle from Ditton Priors Parish Council, which covers the area.

However, they had attracted 29 objections, raising concerns about the visual impact of the turbines.

Though many of the councillors agreed they were better suited to the area, and a better proposal, it came down to the final vote, where the plans were rejected on a majority of six councillors against the plans and three in favour.

Many said that its closeness to the Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty could cause issues.

Councillor Cecilia Mottley said: “I think this is a much more sensible and appropriate application than the last one.

“However, I think it could be seen from the area of outstanding natural beauty, I wouldn’t say it would have an affect on the AONB.”

Dr Chris Douglas, of Stop Bridgnorth Wind Farm and who lives at Morville, said: “We are absolutely delighted that both applications were refused by the planning committee, especially as they hadbeen recommended for approval by the planning officer.

“We are just very pleased that local opinion was not only heard, but also taken on board by the committee.

“The landscape in the area west of Bridgnorth is beautiful, tranquil and unique, and we must do all we can to ensure it remains that way, not only for those living in the area but also for its many visitors.

“There are several other applications for wind turbines in south Shropshire in the planning pipeline.

“These stand to benefit the applicants only, and we hope that localism will continue to prevail when these applications come before the planners in due course.”

The three turbine applications are among several currently going through the planning process in Shropshire and Mid Wales. A public inquiry is currently being held into plans for five wind farms in Mid Wales and miles of overhead powerlines that would connect the turbines to the supply in Shropshire.