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Wind turbine sparks outcry
Reporter: LEWIS JONES
Date online: 19 July 2010
Residents’ anger at 100ft ‘monstrosity’
ANGRY Greenfield locals have been left horrified after a 100ft non-operational wind turbine was built in the village, which they say they had no idea was planned.
Richard Booley, who bought his £1.2 million house after years of searching for the property of his dreams to renovate, received a huge shock as the towering turbine rose from the near-by Tanners Mill site.
The company director, who also bought the fields between his stunning home in Hollins Lane and Holmfirth Road to ensure the panoramic valley view remained unspoilt, said: “I was just horrified, it looked like a caravan on a big stick. At first I thought it was a temporary inflatable thing but I couldn’t believe it when it was still there the day after.
“People will look at that now and ask what next, I was just flabbergasted that I did not know anything about it. If I had known I might not have bought the property.
“It’s crazy that they can put up one of the biggest structures in the village without people knowing.”
He is now questioning why only six neighbours were consulted during the planning application process before it was passed last December.
The dull grey turbine, installed by safety company TAG Limited, only has one downward pointing propeller and will be used for training at heights.
The Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association has described the new turbine as a monstrosity.
Another local couple, who have a prominent view of the structure, say they too did not know it was going ahead until planning permission had been passed. They said: “We are outraged that we had absolutely no say.
“We know that you can’t buy a view, but how they can put that on the edge of the Peak Park is beyond us.”
The company agreed to take down their bright orange and blue logo originally emblazoned on the tower, but this week a white banner was hung from the column.
Oldham Council said the firm abided by all planning guidelines during the application process.
Local councillor Richard Knowles objected when the application was considered, however the council’s planning department recommended approval, stating that it would have no detrimental impact on significant views and that it would create three new jobs in the area.
Richard Booley says he would like to work amicably with the company over the issue, but that he will take his fight further should he need to.
The Evening Chronicle reported on October 7 that planning permission had been sought for the non-operational turbine.
Comments
and no doubt he cannot drive his 4X4 without the wind turbine reminding him of his carbon footprint! Honestly the Nimbyism of people in Saddleworth beggars belief!
This house is set so far back from the road, that it would not be difficult to plant a tree obscuring this view, but of course that would involve Mr Booley actually doing something other than moaning, so that's not likely to happen!
A heartbreaking story...
I must admit I don't understand this bit of the article "and will be used for training at heights" Training what at heights?? I saw it for the 1st time yesterday and it is very ugly
If this guy had lived here years ago he would have opened his curtains to Mill Chimneys with lots of black smoke. Greenfield is an industrail area and industry should be welcomed. Come'er IN !!!!
Whinge-whinge-whinge.
Richard Booley first saw the turbine when he opened his bedroom curtains at his home, a trip to specsavers might be needed. how long did it take to erect this turbine?
Ah well as we all know saddleworth people are not happy unless they have somethinge to whinge at.
the anti-saddleworth mob are off again.like i've said before to you flake i live in saddleworth and i DON'T drive a 4x4 like you seem to think everyone does and captain jack the only thing i whinge about is people like you and flakey boy that seem to have one almighty chip on their shoulders about people who live in saddleworth.PATHETIC!!!!!
One more reason why Saddleworth would be better off divorced from Oldham.
The hulme nimby army are on the move again
Here we go again jealous Oldhamers who would actually like to live in Saddleworth having their usual moan because we care about our surroundings, rather than putting up with all the rubbish litter and eyesores that are common place in Oldham we do try and do something about it. You lot of townie moaners should try it someday.
Just a reminder to Flake, Arthur D ,Captain Jack and all the other Oldham Moaners Club regular members... Saddleworth is Oldhams Jewel.. .. You pathetic bunch.
Hey penpusher, have a read at the story again, then re read the comments, finally check the dictionary! You'll find the person complaining (moaning) lives in Saddleworth, the comments are just observing that, plus previous moans from the area.
Perhaps you could give an example of a building scheme in Saddleworth which hasn't been moaned about?
The wind farm, Tescos, Uppermill school, marina development, Royal George, the list is endless!
Blue hobbit training at heights is about rescue and evacuation from any situation at height. The turbine is there to make the situation as real as possible. The training people get from tag might just save some ones life!
It also brings business into the area which helps local people that do not have 1.2 mill to spend on a house
Chorn13 has hit the nail on the head greenfield has always been an industrial area so Mr come'er inner get over it!!!
Tag is a company that producing safety equiptment for people who work at heights such as dangling from sky scrapers on a rope etc etc. This is just to show clients and to train people how to scale a wind turbine without dying. I think its funny. All the Saddleworth folk do it moan. Would he feel better if it went round and round like a windmill? Who cares. Dont give this sort of people the publicity.
Hahahahaha brilliant I love Mr Booley blowing his own trumpet in the 'look at me and my expensive house and all my money'! I am guessing the bloke has not lived in Saddleworth all his life otherwise he would know of its industrial heritage and all the mills that once littered these valleys. He is the sort of person who will only be happy once every bit of industry has gone from here.
I say "Bravo!" to you Mr Booley. You have a magnificent house and should be proud of it. Ignore the petty comments above. Remarks of this type often come about when people spend too much time living in cramped terraced houses. I for one would not be happy to see a wind turbine impinge on my view. Fear not these people will be more subservient when their benefits are cut back over the coming years. Keep the faith!
Have Your Say
Its basically a large thin pole, its doesn't spin round. Nice to see Mr Booley has settled into the Greenfield NIMBY crew so quickly.
You move in next to an industrial site and industrial building happens, not a shocker is it?
By ArthurD @ 19/07/2010 12:32:44