Proposals that could see wind turbines erected in Laneshaw Bridge and Trawden have sparked anger from a Colne councillor.
Coun. Paul White, who represents the Boulsworth ward, has said he is “sure that local residents will have their voices heard” after DC21 Group Ltd submitted new plans to Pendle Council.
The first plan is for a 50kw wind turbine, with an overall height of 34.5m, at Hazelgrove Lodge, in Warley Wise Lane, Laneshaw Bridge. The second is for a 225kw structure, with an overall height of 47m at Cowfield Farm, in Burnley Road, Trawden.
Coun. White said: “DC21 continue in their crusade to destroy this beautiful area of Pendle.
“The Planning Inspector ruled recently that the hillside around Skipton Old Road had enough turbines and threw one of theirs out, yet they plough on in their arrogant fashion submitting applications. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it, but we will win it. We’ve heard time and again why I don’t believe these are right for this area of Pendle. Once again, we’ll be running our #TheColneWindDebate, and people can keep up to date at www.colneconservatives.wix.com/wind. Every time DC21 try, we’ll roll this out and we’ll take on board resident’s views.”
But for DC21’s site finder Jon Roche, the Laneshaw Bridge application has been changed to “reflect concerns over perceived visual
impact”, while the Trawden proposals “will help contribute to the local economy through increased employment and the purchase of goods and services”.
The company’s last application for a 50kw wind turbine at Buttock Laithe Farm, Coal Pit Lane, Colne was rejected unanimously by Pendle Council’s Colne and District Committee. Talking about the Hazelgrove Lodge application Mr Roche said: “The tower height has been reduced and the location has been changed to address the concerns of the community.
“The turbine will bring in a valuable resource to support the landowner and his business. The farming operation at Hazelgrove is small scale and as such the farmer needs all the help he can get. His age limits his ability to support the farm.”
And talking about the Cowfield Farm plans, he added: “The farm is a former dairy farm but now concentrates on beef and sheep products.
“The turbine income will contribute to the upkeep of the farm and maintain the farm business.
“The carbon footprint of the farm will be greatly reduced by the turbine offsetting over 329.64 tonnes over its lifetime. This in turn will be reflected in the value of the farm produce and contribute to the local authority and the UK as a whole to reach climate change targets.”
