Agenda item

            That planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment). 

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application which had been the subject of a site visit on 19 January 2015.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

                        The officer detailed the background to the report and highlighted the late observations where a response from Natural Resources Wales was reported along with clarification on connection cables to the local grid.  The main issues included the effects upon the landscape and character of the area and the impact on nearby listed buildings. 

                        Mrs. C. Williams spoke against the application and of the concerns raised by local residents.  She highlighted the poor access to the area and indicated that the lane was used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and cars.  She felt that it was not suitable for heavy goods vehicles and any construction traffic would create a significant hazard.  She was not against renewable energy but felt that to allow a wind turbine in this location would have a detrimental impact on people and wildlife in the area.  The proposed site was adjacent to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the A55 and would therefore create a hazard for traffic passing the site.  Mrs. Williams spoke of the Police and Rescue helicopters and migrating birds that regularly flew through the area of the proposed wind turbine and she raised concern at the precedent that would be set if the application was approved.          

            Councillor Chris Bithell proposed the recommendation for refusal which was duly seconded.  He felt that the height of the proposed wind turbine would have a significant impact on the landscape and the view to the Clwydian Hills and the AONB.  He highlighted the comments of Caerwys Town Council and Denbighshire County Council about the impact that the wind turbine would have on the area.  Councillor Gareth Roberts concurred and commented that the recommendation for refusal was consistent with a recent nearby application for a similar structure that had also been refused.

            The Local Member, Councillor Jim Falshaw, spoke of the significant impact on the AONB and the narrow road that led to the site.  He commented on the removal of soil from the site by large vehicles which could result in damage to the hedgerows.  He added that the proposal would create substantial harm and would have a significant impact on the visual amenity of the area. 

            In response to the comment by Councillor Roberts about a previous application on a nearby site, the Development Manager advised that this application had been for an anemometer mast which had been refused but allowed on appeal.  He added that Members should not take account of that application in consideration of this application and pointed out that the Inspector on the anemometer mast appeal had not considered that it might be followed by a wind turbine.                     

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).