Warning of huge turbine plan near Ellesmere
A controversial planning application featuring a giant wind turbine in the Shropshire countryside is due to be submitted imminently, a meeting heard.
Plans involve creating a turbine at The Newnes, near Ellesmere, which is expected to be up to 130 metres(426ft) high.
Ann Hartley, Shropshire councillor for Ellesmere, warned members of the town council about the application at their meeting last night.
She said: "A planning application, which in my opinion is for an outrageous wind turbine at The Newnes, is due to be submitted imminently. Hopefully the issue will be given 28 days for public consultation.
"Although it is in a rural patch, I think it will affect the town very much.
"We intend to hold a public meeting as well where we will invite the applicant to talk to us."
The turbine, which would be built on land off Ellesmere Road at Onston Farm, is expected to generate up to 500kW of electricity – enough for 120 homes and businesses.
But the proposal, first revealed earlier this year, has already been met with fierce opposition by local residents.
They say it would be noisy, overpowering and a blot on the landscape, as well as de-value their homes.
They have launched a leaflet, poster and window sticker campaign.
Meanwhile, at last night's meeting plans were also revealed to repair or replace the leaking roof on Ellesmere Town Hall.
The flat roof on the building needs repairing or replacing because it has sprung a leak in at least four places.
The council has been seeking quotes for the work which have come back at up to about £40,000.
Speaking last night, Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, said: "Flat roofs cause problems for the future.
"I suggest we get an architect involved. We could sort out space for a roof to include solar panels as well. There is a possibility to get funding from the local joint committee."
