Pontefract Windfarm Action Group

PWAG submits formal Objection Document to WMDC

PWAG has worked with a group of experts to produce a formal Objection Document which has now been handed to WMDC Planning Officers. This document explains in detail why Planning Approval must be refused including:

1. The Planning Application Document itself is deeply flawed with significant omissions and inconsistencies.

2. The turbines are too close to residential dwellings.

3. The impact on the Landscape Character of Went Edge is severe.

4. The proposed site is Green Belt and this proposal contravenes a wide range of planning policies.

5. Local residents would be adversely affected by noise day and night.

6. The assessment of the incidence of ‘Shadow Flicker’ demonstrates that its occurrence will be an unacceptable nuisance.

7. The distraction of the wind farm in such close proximity to the A1 trunk road will increase the risk of accidents.

8. There is a risk of aircraft accidents caused by spurious radar images.

9. There is a high probability of loss of TV reception.

10. The wind farm presents unacceptable risks to public safety.

11. The huge local opposition to this proposal indicates the depth of feeling among residents of many communities.

12. The detrimental impact on the local economy seriously degrades the attractiveness of the area.

Banks Developments appeal against wind mast refusal

60m wind mast

On 10 September 2007 Banks Developments appealled to The Planning Inspectorate against the Wakefield MDC refusal to allow the erection of a wind mast in Darrington. The Planning Inspectorate main role is the processing of planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into local development plans.

Wind farm proposed in Knottingley

Wind farm being delivered

Mark Lavery of the Yorkshire Evening Post reported in an article on 16 August 2007 about a proposed wind farm developement in Knottingley. He wrote "A second wind farm is being proposed for Wakefield district at Knottingley. UK-based renewable energy developer 'Your Energy' is seeking residents' views on proposals to erect up to 10 turbines on a site between Knottingley and Eggborough.It follows a controversial proposal announced earlier this year by Banks Developments to build six 80m high turbines in the Went Valley at Darrington near Pontefract. 'Your Energy' is staging two public exhibitions between noon and 8pm at Knottingley Leisure Centre on August 29 and at Eggborough Village Hall on August 30." Mark Lavery continued "Coun Graham Stokes, (Lab, Knottingley), said: "The company behind the plans say this scheme won't affect people in Knottingley. But these windfarms are a bit of a blot on the landscape . I will reserve judgment until I have had a good look at the plans."