Rushton and Pipewell residents have said the New Albion Wind Farm, which wind development company Infinergy wants to build between the two villages, would blight the landscape, much of which is a conservation area.


What do you think of the wind farm plans? Let us know your views on this story by signing-in and posting your comments at the bottom of the page.


Peter Hooton, 54, a sales manager from Station Road in Rushton, said: "It would be a catastrophic devastation of a picturesque environment in which we currently reside.

"It will damage the skyline irretrievably for what is supposed to be a conservation area."

According to a survey by magazine The Triangle, which covers the villages, nine out of 10 residents are against the wind farm.

From the 74 people who responded to the survey, 64 opposed the plans, six were in favour and one was undecided.

Barbara Miles, 70, who has lived in Pipewell all her life, said: "It is so close to the village that it's affecting us dramatically.

"It's completely inappropriate to build them here because we are a historical area and a site of special interest."

A spokesman for Infinergy said: "The 74 responses that The Triangle received are in sharp contrast with our consultation results.

"A total of 268 people have responded to the consultation process that we have been running over the last year and 177 people, 66 per cent, have indicated they are supportive.

"Our consultation methods have been available to all local people, both those supportive and those with concerns, and we are determined to ensure that we both continue to listen and continue to seek opportunities for local people to benefit from this scheme."

Rushton Wind Farm Action Group will hold a meeting at Rushton village hall on Thursday, August 6, to tell residents how they can voice any concerns they have when Infinergy seeks planning permission.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm.

For more information call 01536 418905.