38ft turbine sends objectors spinning

Reporter: Jennifer Hollamby
Date online: 02/07/2009

OLDHAM PLANNING COMMITTEE reports

WIND turbines whipped up tension last night as councillors went into battle over an issue which has no precedent in the planning constitution.

Speaking about plans to erect an 38ft-high wind turbine to power Lower Hills Farm in Burnedge Lane, Grasscroft, Saddleworth parish councillor Ken Hulme said that to allow the turbine would signal a major change in parish council policy. Councillor Mike Buckley added that it could set a dangerous precedent.

He said: “This will hardly provide enough energy to power this farm. In allowing this, you’re saying that regardless of whether something has any strong green credentials, you can still allow it on the principle. It seems to be the policy that anyone will be able to erect a turbine on green belt after this. The fact that turbines move means that they draw your attention and dominate the landscape."”

But Councillor John Hudson said: “This reminds me of those nude shows at the Windmill years ago where the ladies couldn’t move, but as soon as they moved it became offensive. I don’t understand it.

“You can’t dismiss out of hand people who are trying to create their own energy and we should encourage working farms.”

Other councillors said that the turbine was too small to have a major impact and approved the application. An application to construct a turbine at Slack Farm in Grains Road, Shaw, was also approved, despite objections from neighbours.


Massage parlour victory
NORTH Chadderton residents were celebrating last night after plans to open a massage parlour on Broadway were withdrawn.

Locals had expressed concern over plans to move existing parlour Silks from 90b Broadway to 94-96 Broadway, only yards away from Firwood Manor Private School.

Residents had said that the business, which had been described as a “health studio” in the application, had attracted anti-social behaviour in the past and a petition had been circulating in the area.

Responding to the withdrawal, Councillor Len Quinn said: “This is a victory for the people of Chadderton North. We did not want this sort of activity on our doorstep and this application being withdrawn is a step in the right direction.”