Wind turbines for Groby?

The Planning Officer had to balance considerations such as the environmental benefits of wind energy with the visual impact of the turbines. After studying the 'photomontages' supplied by the applicant it was concluded that “ all images, from near and far show that the turbines, against the existing landscape backdrop - which includes trees and rolling agricultural fields are not visually prominent within the landscape.” Those who disagree find the turbines visually intrusive, and feel they dominate the landscape not only from Groby but also from other areas such as the eastern approach from Gorse Hill to the Anstey junction of the A46 by-pass, will take little comfort from the officer's observation that “the site is screened to the west by the presence of Sheet Hedges Wood – a large, mature and well established woodland as well as by Groby Quarries to the south west of the site.” And the conclusion that “it is considered that given the location and scale of the turbines, combined with tree lined hedgerows and against the backdrop of existing landscape features that overall the turbines will not have an adverse effect on the overall character of the landscape, nor will it significantly harm its quality or value,” will be equally unwelcome.

Although there was wide consultation with outside agencies, including English Heritage, and no substantive objection raised, another observation that “in summary, it is considered that the scheme would not result in an unacceptable impact upon local heritage assets and the historical landscape,” is also coming under scrutiny. Groby's motte and bailey castle and manorial complex is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. In it's listing the large motte at Groby is described as “a good survival incorporating a rare substantial internal Norman stone building. The associated manorial complex is one of the most extensive in Leicestershire with a core considered to date to the period of the Norman castle. It also has associations with an important Leicestershire family.”

Even as the debate goes on it seems that the whatever the outcome residents are unlikely to get up one morning and find them gone. Unless, as one Parish Councillor remarked, a high wind blows them over.

A look at the planning application

Love them or hate them Groby's first wind turbines have arrived. Many residents hope that they are also the last. They have caused much discussion in the village with some asking how they managed to get planning approval. "They are the latest useless eyesore to be dumped on the village," complained one resident.

Local councillors are reporting increased contacts concerning the turbines and www.grobyonline.tk has seen a marked increase in the number of visitors to the site reading the original Spotlight article about the planning applications. Although the first application was refused because, it seems, additional information asked for had not been provided, the September application was approved. The manner in which this application was dealt with has caused concern at the Parish Council.

The original story

Wind turbine fires are rare. Love them or hate them wind turbines could soon be part of the local lanscape. A planning application has been submited to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for the erection of two wind turbines on farm land between Anstey Lane and Groby Quarry. In addition to the environmental benefits of renewable energy generation the Applicant, P S Taylor & Son of Ingleberry Farm in Shepshed, anticipates that the profitability of the farming business will increase and this will lead to the recirculation of wealth in the local economy.

The installation consists of 2 x 50kw Endurance Wind Turbines with cabling. Both turbines will be mounted on free standing masts, on separate 6m x 6m concrete bases. The 36 metre high turbine masts will be fitted with 3 blades with a 9.6m radius. The applicants believe that the development meets the provisions of local planning policy relating to wind power. These require the turbines to be sensitively located in relation to the existing landform and landscape features so that is visual impact is minimised and would not be unduly prominent in views from important viewpoints.

Visual impact

The Endurance E-3120 turbines will comprise fibreglass/epoxy blades in white with a painted, galvanised steel sectional welded tubular mast also being white. The applicants argue that visually the turbine is smooth and sleek with a non-industrial look mitigating many negative visual impacts some associate with larger scale wind farm installations. The mast design, which tapers towards the top, and the colour which is said to blend in with the sky and surrounding landscape, may result in reduced visibility over both mid and long range distances. But the Applicant does not seek to argue that the construction of 2 wind turbines will not have an impact in the landscape but argues that the site, design, colour and materials for the turbines will minimise these impacts as far as possible. The predominant views of the Turbines would be travelling north along Anstey Lane. Since the turbines do not require any additional ground based equipment housing or compound fencing, they are considered to have a non-material impact on the character, fabric and quality of the landscape. " In conclusion," says the Applicant, "the proposed turbines will not result in unacceptable harm to the visual amenity of the locality, nor will it have a detrimental effect on the character and functioning of this area."

Due to its constant and low rotational speed, the Wind turbine is amongst the quietest in its class. Turbine 2 is 760m from the closest residential property. At such a distance noise level from the turbine would ordinarily be 25dB, which is considered acceptable.

Wildlife

The turbines are not considered a threat to local wildlife and a buffer zone of 50m from any woodland is proposed, which meets the guidelines issued by natural England. Turbine 1 is located 75m away from the nearest hedgerow and Turbine 2 is 120m from the nearest hedgerow. As part of the pre-application process, the siting of the Turbines was discussed with the Councils Ecologist who confirmed that based upon the information provided they did not anticipate any objections to this application.

Archaeological survey

As part of the preparation for the application an archaeological survey was undertaken by the University of Leicester. It concluded that "the proposed development area occupied a promising location within a rich archaeological landscape on the northern edge ofthe historic settlement core of Groby.Only limited archaeological deposits were encountered during the course of this evaluation. Trenches1 and2 contained nothing of archaeological significance. Trench3 contained an undated linear feature of possible archaeological significance."