Planning Refusal 12th December 2007
Daventry's Council chambers were packed with a concerned public and Nuon UK's project manager for the evening's meeting, with the meteorological mast first item on a full agenda.
The council's senior planning officer spent several minutes detailing his support for the application. A screen to the left cycled a montage of maps and photo mock-ups, provided by Nuon, of the proposed site from several different aspects.
Ed Giles then presented his 3 minutes worth on behalf of the objectors, focussing on the flaws in the Planning Officer's report and highlighting the aviation risks and Special Landscape Area of the site.
Jennie Miller for Preston Capes parish council then presented her 3 minutes, majoring on the breach of planning policies in the SLA and the aviation risks .
The Chairman of Woodford PC then further refuted the erroneous claim in the Officer's report of her Parish council's support, finally setting the record straight.
Noun then had their 3 minutes of fame, they defended their informal September visit to the airstrip and attempted to justify their doubtful claims of 'who said what to whom'.
The Woodford District Councillor then spoke at some length, focussing further on the SLA and aviation hazards, whilst demolishing the Nuon arguements along the way.
The second Woodford District Councillor, and member of the Planning Committee then supplied his reasons for opposing the application, commenting on the applicant's claims and proposing that the application be refused.
The Planning Committee members then further debated the merits and demerits of the case.
The vote was then called.
For the application: 1...Against : 7 abstainers: 2
Application refused, on grounds of SLA and 'Health & Safety' issues related to aviation hazards..
Nuon departed without comment. We retired to our local hostelry.
Hurrah!!
Public Meeting Woodford Halse 2nd November 2007
A public meeting was held at the Memorial Hall, Woodford Halse On Friday 2nd November 2007 at 7pm with regard to the proposed wind farm development at preston fields farm. A Nuon UK Ltd PR Agency representative Mr Al Hanigan attended and was given the opportunity to speak at length. There was some confusion over the proposed height of the turbines, the manner of connection to the National Grid, the proposed number of turbines and the likely costs. A number of local residents spoke regarding the inefficient location of the proposed wind farm, the likely impact on the environment and the effect on local house prices which was already having serious implications with house sales reported as having fallen through.A vote was taken with 147 voting against the Meteorological Mast. Woodford cum Membris PC Chairman undertook to file a report with Daventry District Council objecting to the Meteorological Mast application in strong terms.
Local MP Tim Boswell expressed strong views regarding the "salami slicing" tactics of the developers and the inappropriate choice of this site in a Special Landscape Area.
Woodford Residents Meeting Monday 22nd October
Residents arranged a meeting at short notice to hear about the Meteorological Mast Application. Many residents only heard of plans very recently and anxious to respond to council before closing dates. Nuon UK Ltd invited but unable to attend at short notice.
For the first time in many years the Village Hall was too small. The meeting was held in The Church of St Peter & St Paul in Preston Capes which was full to capacity. Resolutions were carried unanimously.
Nuon Energy were invited but did not attend to explain their plans.
Many residents in the surrounding villages were unaware of the plans due to a lack of planning notices.
