Turbine row protest victory

People power is set to win the day and stop a planned 415ft-high wind turbine being built which would affect views of Lichfield Cathedral.

Residents have bombarded Lichfield District Council with letters of objection fearing the proposals would impact on views of the historic cathedral and their homes.

Planning officers agree, and have recommended for refusal, plans to install a wind turbine at Curborough sewage treatment works, in Watery Lane.

Residents have written 36 letters of objection and their concerns include its proximity to their homes causing noise and visual problems.

As well as the impact on the cathedral residents are also concerned it will undermine the attractiveness of the area and have an impact on the wildlife including causing distress to farm animals.

They have been supported by Lichfield City Council due to the unnacceptable visual impact on the area.

Alrewas Parish Council has raised concerns about damage to the environment.

In a report to next Monday's planning committee officers urge rejection because of its scale and location.

It would result in an unnacceptable visual intrusion in the landscape and would harm the character and appearance of the countryside.Officers also feel that the turbine would have a dominating and overbearing impact on the outlook of neighbouring residents.

There have also been 19 letters of support for the application. Residents feel they are more aesthetically pleasing than electricity pylons and would raise environmental awareness.

Campaigners successfully fought plans for a windfarm on Cannock Chase.There were plans for three wind turbines on the Bleakhouse site in Heath Hayes, but Harworth Power Limited, which is the company behind the plans withdrew the application.