Neighbour hits out over lack of turbine consultation

A DOBCROSS man claims the noise from a new 65ft wind turbine is a cross between a helicopter and a steam train.

The turbine, erected by John Leonard at Parkfield Farm, generates 30,000kw of electricity a year — enough to power about seven homes.

But Matt Bidski, who lives close by at Lark Hill, claims the first he knew about the turbine was on the day it was erected.

He said: “The consultation process was not properly publicised to the residents living in the immediate vicinity. The first I knew about it was when it was being put up.

“The noise is a major issue. When I’m in the conservatory relaxing I can feel the rumble in my chest. It’s like a cross between a helicopter and a steam train.”

The initial application was submitted in December, 2011, and refused in February 2012.

A planning inspector visited the site after an appeal, and the decision to overturn the rejection was announced in October.

Mr Bidski said: “I don’t want to sound like a nimby, I am hugely in favour of sustainable energy, but there is no community benefit. If I had been properly consulted I would have said I’m not against the idea of wind power and would have been happy to agree a compromise.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for environment and housing, added: “Oldham Planning Committee initially refused the wind turbine as it was considered an inappropriate development for the green belt. The publicity in relation to the wind turbine application was done in line with statutory requirements.”