Major concerns over wind turbine plan

The Government proposals would mean that people will be able to put up electricity-generating turbines on their properties without planning permission, subject to certain conditions on size and height.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy has told the Government it has failed to appreciate the potential impact on protected landscapes. It fears there would be an adverse impact on the harbour's sensitive landscape and that its thousands of wild birds would be put at risk. Under the proposals, wind turbines will not be allowed in world heritage sites and conservation areas if they are visible from a nearby road, or within the curtilage of a listed building.

But the conservancy said in its report: "One of the greatest threats to the natural beauty and amenity of protected landscapes is the incremental erosion from individual small-scale development.

"A single small wind turbine could have a significant detrimental impact on the natural beauty of an AONB if not located in the most appropriate place in landscape terms, particularly if it is the only wind turbine in an otherwise open vista."

It said restrictions should be applied in areas of outstanding natural beauty and the only way there could be proper control was if an application for permission was required. Restrictions being applied to world heritage sites and conservation areas should include all other protected landscapes such as the Chichester Harbour AONB.

It was also felt turbines should not be allowed without permission within or adjacent to designated conservation areas, because of the potential for harm to their wildlife interest.

"This is particularly relevant in Chichester Harbour, where many of the inland agricultural fields are used as roosts and feeding areas for Brent geese and waders," said the report.

Further concern was expressed about Government proposals covering wind turbines on non-domestic premises.

The proposals have prompted dismay in areas where residents have been fighting wind turbine planning application on grounds of noise disruption.

Only last week permission was refused for a wind turbine at Cowfold Road, West Grinstead when planners ruled it would be visibly intrusive, create a noise nuisance and was not justified for the amount of energy it would create.

Commenting on the Government proposals, a resident said: "These plans are outrageous. It would lead to wind turbines popping up everywhere and ruining people's lives.

"I don't think the Government understands the impact wind turbines can have in a residential area. They simply must be subject to planning controls.

"The only place for any turbine is well-away from any homes or wildlife habitats, so there is no impact."

A spokeswoman for the RSPB said: "The RSPB supports renewable energy including the generation of electricity from wind power. However wind turbines need to be in the right place."