Wolverhampton wind turbine plan pulled after opposition

UTC Aerospace Systems held a public consultation in October last year about building it at the firm's site in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, to save cash and reduce its carbon footprint.

But residents turned out in force to voice their opposition to the turbine, which would have been taller than the UK's highest cathedral spire and would have dwarfed the city's highest building, Victoria Halls student accommodation, by 51m.

A petition by Fordhouses residents against the plans gathered more than 500 signatures. It was expected that official plans would be submitted for the turbine in November, but hope grew among residents that enough had been done to make bosses do a U-turn. And the pressure told as bosses ditched the plans this week.

Melissa Noebes, for UTC Aerospace Systems, said: "I am pleased to report that UTC has reached a decision regarding its renewable energy plans.

"As an outcome of our latest assessments, including consultations with the community, we have determined at this time not to move forward with plans to install a wind turbine at our Wolverhampton facility on Stafford Road in 2017.

"UTC remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint and will continue to evaluate all renewable energy options open to us.

"Currently there is no specific timescale regarding this but, as previously stated, we will continue to be transparent and engage the community in the discussions as we work through our assessments."

Fordhouses resident and campaigner Brian Bromley, who spearheaded the campaign alongside Jean Lowndes and Malcolm Corbett, said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"We must keep the pressure on so they don't change their mind again.

"I must thank all the residents that supported this campaign. It just proves what you can do when you are willing to get bums off seats.

"We can all moan and groan and accept that we can't change things. But if we work hard we can. If it had gone ahead it would have been a disaster for the area."

Residents expressed concerns about noise and property prices being hit.