Turbine benefits outweigh impact on AONB

Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government, said it was not a 'major development', would not have 'harmful impact' on local residents and its impact on the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) was 'outweighed by the benefits'.

Yesterday the Secretary of State laid out her reasons for granting permission for the turbine, after considering the recommendations of a planning inspector following a six-day public inquiry in February.

A letter written on behalf of the Secretary of State said: 'Like the Inspector, she does not consider that the scheme is a major development...the Secretary of State considers that the proposal would contribute towards the regional targets for the use of renewable energy, and that the saving in terms of carbon dioxide emissions would be an environmental benefit.

'She also considers that there would be no adverse effect on the setting of the Listed Buildings affected by the proposal and that, with particular reference to possible noise interference, the proposed development would have no harmful impact on the living conditions of local residents.'

On the issue of the turbine being in an AONB, the letter stated there would be an adverse impact on the landscape, but the disadvantages of the proposal are outweighed by the benefits.