PLANS to erect a 46-metre-high wind turbine in Wroxall have suffered a setback, after the applicants were ordered to carry out an environmental impact survey.
The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) this week told Robert and Felicity Corry, of Span Farm, Rew Lane, the assessment must be carried out before the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee can consider their application.
It will determine the effect of the plan on the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Mr and Mrs Corry claim the turbine, which would power their working sheep farm, with surplus going to the National Grid, would be no higher than existing aerials and partially screened by woodland.
But Ventnor resident John Nash, who alerted GOSE to the application, said: "Industrial-scale machines have to be taken seriously and the fact a survey has been ordered reflects that. There should not be turbines in AONBs."
Mr Nash also contacted GOSE about Ventnor Golf Club’s plan to build three wind turbines, as previously reported, resulting in the club being ordered to carry out a similar survey costing £40,000.
Mr Corry, who vowed to continue with the application, said: "Of course I am worried about the cost but if I want to go ahead I have to do it."
He said it was not right one individual could have such an effect on planning applications and criticised Isle of Wight Council delays after the first application was submitted last year.
The council said it did not believe the survey was necessary and GOSE’s decision to order the report contradicted the government’s commitments to green energy.
Bill Murphy, the Isle of Wight Council’s head of planning, said: "The planning process surrounding applications for wind turbines is complex in nature and requires detailed consultation with a large number of consultees, which results in a lengthened process."
• Wind turbines could be built without planning permission under new government proposals, providing their size and impact is limited, in a bid to cut red tape for environmentally friendly projects.
Down’s future to be decided
A DECISION on the controversial application to build three 125ft wind turbines at Cheverton Down, Shorwell, will be made by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee on December 3.
The meeting, which starts at 6pm, will be held at Carisbrooke High School rather than the council chamber as it is expected to attract a large public audience.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk