Shropshire wind turbine plan is approved
Controversial plans to erect a wind turbine in the Shropshire countryside have been approved despite fears the area is being turned into a giant windfarm.
The proposal for a 161ft (49m) turbine at Top House Farm, in Cockshutt, near Ellesmere, was approved by Shropshire Council yesterday.
It is the latest in a host of applications which have been approved by the council's north planning committee in the last year.
At yesterday's meeting in Shirehall, concerns were raised by some councillors over the visual impact the turbine would have in conjunction with others in the area.
Brian Williams, councillor for The Meres, raised concerns that the north of the county was becoming a windfarm.
He said: "We keep getting these applications for single turbines but that's one more and one more. The committee has to decide at what point enough is enough."
Councillor Joyce Barrow said: "We now have a cumulative effect and it is time to say no."
But Councillor Paul Wynn said: "We are getting close to saturation but this is for a farm and for a business so I have to support this one."
Councillor Karen Calder added: "I don't think we have reached saturation yet."
The applicant, Julian Bowers, said the turbine would be used to provide power for his farm and be essential to his business.
At last month's meeting, plans for a 150ft (46km) turbine at Kenwick Lodge Farm in Cockshutt were approved. It will be three miles away from a 150ft turbine at Shade Oak Stud, in Bagley, near Ellesmere.
It will also be five miles from a 119ft (36m) turbine which is in operation at Winston Farm in Tetchill, near Ellesmere.
Other recent approved applications include a 150ft turbine at Lea Hall, Ash Parva, near Whitchurch, a turbine featuring a 49ft (15m) mast at Laurel Villa, Weston Lullingfields, and a 74ft (22.5m) turbine at Sleap House Farm, near Harmer Hill.
