£2k bill for wind farm noise experts

Noise consultants investigating the impact of plans for a wind farm on people living nearby in Staffordshire have cost planning bosses around £2,000 so far.

Planners at Cannock Chase Council have had to fork out the cash for a report about the noise impact the three proposed turbines for Bleak House open cast mine site would have. The decision on the application for the site between Heath Hayes and Chase Terrace has now been delayed until next year because the noise consultants require more information from Harworth Power.

Harworth Power also need to submit a flood risk assessment as well as further information being requested by Natural England and the council’s ecologist.

Keith Faulkner, a spokesman for Bleak House Wind Farm Action Group (BWFAG), has criticised the cost. He said: “It’s another expense that the ratepayers have got to pick up.”

BWFAG is holding another public meeting at the Constitutional Club, Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on November 26 .

It will be the last meeting of 2008 and they are hoping to target residents in Norton Canes, Heath Hayes and Wimblebury.

They will also be leaflet dropping and putting posters up around the villages.

Mr Faulkner added: “The campaign is ongoing, the plans have only been delayed until the beginning part of next year so we are continuing collecting signatures for the petition and getting people to sign and send in letters of objection to the council.”

The group has said at 331ft, the turbines would dwarf other tall landmarks in the area such as the 217ft BT Tower at Pye Green or the 160ft pylon at Chase Terrace and be an eyesore.

They have also raised concerns about noise and flickering light caused by the blades.

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