‘Indefensible’ Nidderdale wind turbine plans refused

Dozens of residents opposing Tapar Ltds crowded into Harrogate Borough Council’s chamber and let out a huge round of applause after councillors voted unanimously to refuse the plans.

Gerry Smith of Save the Dales campaign group was nominated to speak on behalf of furious campaigners.

He said: “I am speaking today as an AONB resident and also on behalf of a large number of people who are appalled by this application.”

Mr Smith spoke about recent court judgements against wind turbine appeals and quoted former Secretary of State for Communities Erik Pickles who said: “Protecting the global environment is not an excuse to trash the local environment.”

Mr Smith added: “Do not allow our environment and treasured AONB to be trashed by this audacious application.”

Planning agent Richard Hewson spoke to defend the application and said the developer was disappointed with the councillors recommendation to refuse and said: “Turbines are very subjective, is the opinion of the developer that this wont have an impact on the AONB.”

Coun Pat Marsh (Lib Dem, Hookstone) said: “That was very brave of Mr Hewson to come and defend the indefensible. It will impact on the AONB, it is an obvious refusal.”

Coun Ian Galloway (Con, Bishop Monkton) said he is not totally opposed to wind turbines.

“I can support small farm turbines which can store and generate energy but not these things.”

The councillors questioned the efficiency of the existing turbines at Knabs Ridge, and argued that not enough energy was produced there to justify building more.

Coun Stan Lumley (Con, Pateley Bridge) said: “I work next to Knabs Ridge and I see the not moving more than I see them moving.

“It is a none starter for 
me.”

The council voted unanimously to refuse the application.

Outside the meeting AONB resident Ann Johnson said: “I hope the message is definite and we see no more of these applications,”

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