AN ANGRY councillor has blasted a Government inspector for overturning his planning committee's rejection of a 60m high wind turbine.
Fenland District Council’s planning committee chairman councillor Martin Curtis, says it was “disgusting” the turbine could now be winched into place following the successful appeal.
His comments come after the committee refused TCI Renewables’ ap
plication last year for a turbine at the Anglian Water sewage treatment site in Creek Road, March.
However, this decision has been overturned by planning inspector Geoff Salter, who described the area surrounding the site as having “no special qualities”.
“I think it’s a disgusting decision,” said Cllr Curtis, adding: “It’s a kick in the teeth for everyone in Fenland who has taken a responsible attitude to turbines.”
“There was a clear feeling at our planning committee meeting that this site was not good enough for a turbine.”
The application was rejected at the council’s planning committee meeting on May 2 because it was thought it would have an “adverse effect on the visual cumulative impact on the landscape”.
At the time, a number of anti-turbine protesters said that Fenland was becoming a “turbine district”.
However, Mr Salter said the structures were an “important element” of the landscape on the back of an existing group of 17 turbines at nearby Stags Holt and Coldham.
“Although the landscape immediately surrounding the site is broadly characteristic of the Fens, it has no special qualities, nor is it subject to any national or local landscape or habitat designations.
“From many vantage points, the turbine would be barely distinguishable, if at all, from the sizeable group of nearby turbines, which are the same size as the proposal,” said Mr Salter.
The decision, however, has been met with delight by Anglian Water, which says that turbines are an important part of its strategy for rural sites.
Spokesman for Anglian Water Dan Baker said: “Anglian Water is at the forefront of efforts to reduce the impact UK businesses have on the environment, with an ambitious renewable energy strategy.
“We are pleased the success of the appeal at March means this can now move a step closer to reality.
“Anglian Water is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and also to protecting and enhancing the environment in which it operates”.
