MP: Wind turbine plan 'a joke'

By akeller

SEVERN Trent Water's plans for a wind turbine at its sewage works on the outskirts of Lichfield have come under fire from the city's MP.

The planning application, for Curborough Sewage Treatment Works off Watery Lane, would stand 126.25m high from its base to the tip of the highest blade.

Severn Trent Water claims the scheme would be a vital environmental boon by conserving fossil fuels.

But this week Michael Fabricant MP dismissed it as 'some sort of joke'.

He said: "Conservation of the environment ought to be a balance between the need to conserve non-renewable energy sources while not destroying the immediate environment.

"While I fight to keep the character of Lichfield in order to attract tourist money, developments like this will do untold damage.

"I urge local councillors to oppose this planning application."

Mr Fabricant compared the total height of the proposed turbine to the highest tower of Lichfield Cathedral, which is approximately 79m tall.

The MP suggests the iconic three-spired cathedral will be dwarfed by the turbine.

Mr Fabricant added: "While near neighbours will be disturbed by the noise, Samuel Johnson's spires of Lichfield's cathedral and churches – which he named The Ladies of the Vale – as well as more recent constructions like the Armed Forces Memorial, will all be totally overshadowed by this incongruous and ill-placed construction."

Severn Trent Water already generates 17.5 per cent of its annual electricity from renewable sources – a move towards wind development aims to increase that to 30 per cent by April 2013.

There is already a small electrical substation at the works, which the turbine would connect directly into.

Taking four months to build, the construction – if approved – is likely to be operational for 25 years.

The single turbine, painted a non-reflective matt white/grey, would boast a blade diameter of up to 92.5m and its carbon fibre blades would rotate at up to 15rpm.

That, Severn Trent claims, would provide enough 'clean renewable energy' to power around 1,398 households a year.

David Wood, renewable development engineer for Severn Trent, said: "This is the culmination of over two years work and is a very exciting time for us.

"Our renewable energy programme is one part of our strategy to become the best water and waste water provider in the UK, delivering the best service at the lowest cost."

Severn Trent organised an exhibition at Curborough Hall Farm last April to brief the local community on the proposal.

The planning application was been submitted after more than a year of studies and surveys at the site, including wind monitoring, noise and wildlife assessments.

Lichfield District Council will decide on the application before the end of February.

To have your say, contact the council and quote planning application 09/01166/FULM.