Ellesmere councillors oppose plans for 100m wind turbine

Members of Ellesmere Town Council have voted unanimously against the proposal to create a 327ft (99.7m) turbine on land near Ellesmere Road in Tetchill.

At last night's town council meeting councillors raised concerns about the impact it would have on the environment and described it as an "eyesore".

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, said: "I can't think of anything in this application which would benefit this community.

"Because of the scale of it, it would be seen by virtually anyone in the town.

"Geese and swans would fly directly over this turbine."

Councillor Geoff Elner said: "Why Tetchill? I can't understand why.

"It will have affects on the weather, people don't want it, there is no need for it, it will be out of character in the local community and it will be an eyesore."

Councillor Brian Knight added: "The noise coming from them is tremendous."

Members heard that a public meeting to discuss the application will be held on Thursday in the town hall at 7pm.

At the meeting the applicants behind the plans will make a presentation before answering questions from the public.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce, has previously raised concerns that the turbine could affect the proposed leisure development by the Wharf in the town.

The application could also enhance fears from local residents that north Shropshire is being turned into a giant wind farm.

Other recently approved turbines in the area include 150ft (46m) turbines at Kenwick Lodge Farm in Cockshutt and Shade Oak Stud in Bagley, and a 119ft (36m) turbine at Winston Farm in Tetchill.

The proposed 500kW turbine could produce up to 1,400 MWh of electricity and supply energy to around 280 houses a year as well as save 658 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The scheme has been submitted to Shropshire Council by agents Intech Clean Energy UK.

Documents in support of the application say central government energy and planning policy remains in support of renewable energy production, including wind energy development.

"The applicants are taking positive steps to minimise their reliance on non-renewable energy without adversely affecting the amenity of nearby residents or having a negative impact on the landscape.

"The harm posed by the proposal is minimal and restricted to the immediate area around the turbine," the documents add.