We are not selfish, say turbine farmers

People in Ellesmere have criticised the Williams' family's plans for a 327ft (99.7m) turbine on land off Ellesmere Road, near Tetchill.

During a public meeting on Thursday (June 5) at Ellesmere Town Hall, residents complained about potential noise, the visual impact, and the possible negative effect the turbine could have on the local economy.

But applicants Seven Sisters and agent Intech Clean Energy UK have hit back, saying the turbine will benefit the community.

Angela Williams, 62, who owns cattle farming business Seven Sisters with husband Robert, 70, said: "That is their own opinion at that time, but the energy produced will go into the grid and through the line there for the town to use."

Mrs Williams said there was no reason to suggest the turbine could affect tourism, arguing that in other areas where turbines had been erected tourism had increased.

The turbine could power 280 a homes a year for its 25 year term.

Mrs Williams said: "The beef industry is not at a good point. Prices have dropped as much as 60 pence per kilo since Christmas, but supermarkets aren't lowering their prices.

"It is a business investment, and it will be an income. It's diversification and we need that."

She said the family had considered the town's residents when making their decision.

Mrs Williams added: "We looked at a lot of different turbines, but we chose this one because of the slender hub and it is aesthetically well designed and not as noisy as some of the others."

The planning application took more than 12 months to put together.

She said: "If the plans are objected to, we will have to go to appeal. It's a big investment just to propose this.

"I think people don't like anything that's new, and if the canal system was being built today, people wouldn't want that either.

"But when you get used to something you don't notice it as much."

She added: "I appreciate how people feel; I don't like to see green fields covered with houses, but it's one of those things.

"We have got to accept these things, and I do think that the generation of electricity will be a real benefit to the people."

Nicol Perrymen, a representative of Intech Clean Energy UK, said: "The family do live in the community too and are not far from where the turbine would be.

"After a lot of consideration, the family chose a piece of their land that is the most open, with the strongest winds, making sure it would do the most good."

The application has been recommended for refusal by Ellesmere Rural Parish Council and Ellesmere Town Council and has gathered around 100 objections on Shropshire Council's website.

A decision is expected to be madeby the authority on June 18.