Wind turbine plans refused

Planning permission to erect two 30 metre high wind turbines off Castle Hill Road at Birtle to supply power to a farm has been refused.

The application relates to two separate triangular shaped areas of land on the eastern side of Castle Hill Road, to supply power to Silinghurst Farm.

Each part of the site lies approximately 30 metres away from the borough boundary with Bury Council.

The farm raises poultry for major retail food outlets in the UK and has a high energy supply. The plans to install wind turbines were part of a bid to demonstrate that the farm is reducing its carbon footprint.

Objections from 20 residents have been received based on: noise impact, safety impact, visual appearance and impact on local historic character.

Councillor Ann Metcalfe has raised her objections to the proposals on the grounds that the turbines would significantly harm the visual appearance of the local landscape and would create an “unwelcome” industrial and urbanising feature in this area of the countryside.

The report presented to Councillors recommended that the application be refused.

The report read: “The wind turbines, by virtue of their close proximity to the road, their tall height and the rotational movement of their turbine blades, would constitute intrusive development in the landscape, which would significantly harm the quality and value of the recreational experience.”