Council throws caution to the wind by installing towering 164ft turbine

The 164ft turbine was installed in a day near Blithbury Road, Hamstall Ridware, near Rugeley.

Homeowners living nearby say the turbine, which is the first to be built in the area, is an eyesore and could pave the way for more in the future.

The turbine scheme was originally turned down by Lichfield District Council in July 2012 after widespread opposition from residents who had complained it would be an eyesore.

But applicant BJB Farming Ltd appealed the decision and permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate last year.

Steve Derry, who lives on the Rowley Estate in the hamlet, said: "The feeling round here is that people aren't happy about the turbine. We weren't aware it was being installed and it just seems to have sprung up out of nowhere. It's a blot on the landscape.

"We're worried more of these turbines could spring up in the future."

A report from the Planning Inspectorate announcing the decision to allow for the turbine to be installed stated it would not spoil the area or be a danger to users of a nearby gliding club. BJB Farming will use the turbine to generate electricity for its arable business in Rugeley.

The 500-kilowatt turbine is 3,937ft away from the nearest house. Applicant Sindy Bostock said today: "We're just happy that we're doing something positive for the environment. We understand that everyone is entitled to a viewpoint - even at this late stage in the project. As far back as 2010, Staffordshire commissioned a report on Climate Change which identified our site as having good wind potential.

"We put our planning application into Lichfield District Council in December 2011 and have gone through the full planning process resulting in permission being granted by the planning inspectorate in May 2013."

Objected

She added: "Whilst there were a small number of neighbours, who quite rightly objected through the planning process, we also received a great deal of support locally in favour of our turbine.

"As households continue to increase the amount of energy they use, we are really proud that our turbine will be generating and exporting electricity into the grid to power local houses and businesses while making a positive contribution to reducing greenhouse emissions for future generations."

In 2012 Staffordshire County Council introduced a ruling aimed at protecting the countryside from major wind turbine schemes.