Carsington wind turbine protest group is unhappy with claims
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build four 335ft-high wind
turbines have criticised claims that they would not affect
-
local views.
The Protect Carsington and Hopton Action Group made its
comments yesterday, during a public inquiry at Matlock Town
Hall into the proposal for turbines at Carsington Pasture.
Jeff Stevenson, landscape and visual consultant for
applicant Carsington Wind Energy Ltd, said people in
Brassington, Carsington and Hopton, would only see, at most,
“the top of rotor blades on one to three turbines.”
But action group leader Janice Southway said the turbines
would damage tourism and affect all three historic villages,
which include 77 protected buildings.
Her group has collected a 1,400-name protest petition.
She said: “We don't agree with Mr Stevenson's comments.
There will be a visual impact for villagers and tourists.
“And fewer tourists would reduce takings for pubs, guest
houses and restaurants.”
Mr Stevenson told the inquiry that visitors' appreciation of
the landscape would not be affected by the turbines.
He said: “They do attract the eye but I don't think that
they are the resting place of the gaze. People will look around
the whole area.”
Earlier in the inquiry, Carsington Wind Energy said that the
turbines would power 5,500 homes and that local companies would
be able to bid for construction contracts worth about
£1.5m.
But Anthony Crean, QC, for Derbyshire Dales District
Council, which rejected the original plan, said that the
development would harm the landscape.
The eight-day inquiry is expected to conclude tomorrow.
12 Comments
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by MB, Derby
Friday, July 11 2008, 2:14PM
“Nate - I can spot sarcasm just fine...its just the first bit (before the obvious sarcasm) sounded like the ill informed drivel that a lot of people would come up with...there were people campaigning against a Severn Barrier that would generate elctric through tidal power as they suggested dolphins and fish would be sucked into it and chopped to bits....not bothering to look into what tidal power actually was...as you can see, thats very similar to the bird story”
by Raglex, Derby, Alvaston
Friday, July 11 2008, 11:15AM
“I would like to see wind turbines at Carsington Res. as I think they are elegant and graceful, plus to be able to marvel at the engineering that has gone into their design, installation and use and to know that all that effort is for a good cause. There should be more projects like this, what about all the disused mill races in Derbyshire? Could not these be refurbished, waterwheel / turbine installed and being used to generate electricity? This would preserve / restore some of our old mills and be very useful at this time of energy crisis. The energy produced would help pay for the restoration.”
by Nick, Derby
Friday, July 11 2008, 11:09AM
“I think the structures will look quite impressive and will be a feature to the area, more likely to attract people rather than turn them away. We need green enery, and turbines are the obvious choice. I think the members (or member) of The Protect Carsington and Hopton Action Group need to need to find a hobby or job or something else constructive to do with their time.”
by Mr Bronson, belper
Friday, July 11 2008, 10:42AM
“It was in reference to a comment made a week or two ago along the similar lines. I thought it was ridiculous at the time, still do but worth a reminder.”
by Nate, Derby
Friday, July 11 2008, 10:34AM
“I guess a degree in Wildlife Conservation , Habitat Management and Environmental Biology can't help a person detect sarcasm them.”