Wind turbine churns up fears for landscape

The application for five wind turbines has been submitted to the Derbyshire Dales District Council for land at Griffe Grange, north of Manystones Lane, Brassington.

The turbines would be 100 metres tall and have an installed capacity of 2.5MW each.

Mat Adlam–Stiles, who lives in nearby Ible and said he was speaking on behalf of some of his fellow residents, commented: “Most people agree that there is need for a level of renewable energy, but with four turbines already erected on Carsington Pasture, and a further three consented – two at Ryder Point and one at Viaton – we strongly believe this is more than the landscape can absorb. Furthermore, the proposed citing of the Griffe Grange turbines will impact significantly on the Peak District national park.”

The planning statement, submitted by Cunnane Town Planning for the applicant, says: “Griffe Grange Wind Farm Ltd, the applicant, is a company specially set up to promote the development of clean renewable energy at this site.

“The company is backed by a FTSE listed national property company with assets in excess of £300million.”

The Griffe Grange Wind Farm Ltd claims that as part of its proposals, a community benefit fund worth more than £1.5million would be available to support local community projects. Brassington Recreation Ground has been confirmed as the first project that will benefit if the plans are approved.

Andrew Mason, chairman of Brassington Recreation Ground Charitable Association, said: “The community benefit fund would allow us to complete our longstanding ambition to transform Brassington Recreational Ground.

“Local people in and around Brassington will benefit for years to come from this vital investment in our community.”

To view the planning application, search for reference ‘14/00224/FUL’ on www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk