TWO 40ft wind turbines could be built at Holme Moss.
And the plans have been branded “disastrous” for the landscape by a parish councillor.
A planning application has been submitted to the Peak District National Park Authority by Arqiva for the Holme Moss radio transmitting base on the edge of the national park.
Arqiva want to build two turbines at 12.39m (approx 40ft) with the 6.44m blades extending the height to 50ft.
Each is expected to generate 6kw in energy, which will be used to power the centre.
Arqiva believe there is a benefit in “locating wind turbines close to a much more dominating visual feature, as opposed to open countryside.”
But the planning application says there has been little public consultation over the plans – the nearest neighbouring property is just under a mile away.
The report adds: “It has not been considered appropriate to undertake further consultations with local residents as there are none close enough to be relevant.”
Clr Trevor Bellamy, of Holme Valley Parish Council, said: “I spoke to a number of people who live in Holme village and nobody knew anything about it.
“I wrote reflecting the views of the people I had spoken to which were all negative. They don’t feel the benefits of these two units will outweigh the loss of the beauty spot.
“It’s one of the highest points in the Peak District, if they are put up they will be visible for miles around in all directions.
“This is about what local people feel about it, but my personal point of view is that the loss of that beautiful landscape to two wind turbines would be quite disastrous.
“It will do nothing at all to enhance the area as a tourist attraction.”
Asked if he believed approval might set a precedent, Clr Bellamy added: “If they get permission for two will they be coming back in six months time asking for another eight?”
A representative of the Peak District National Park said that “where possible renewable energy schemes were supported, but... normally in such locations landscape issues would take priority”.
Arqiva says it wants to cut its carbon footprint, saying in the application: “Although it is proposed to connect the turbines to the National Grid, the majority of the energy produced will be used to run the installation and provide electricity from a clean source on a reliable basis.
“Only any excess energy after this will be put into the National Grid.”
The application is to be decided by the national park authority on Friday, June 3.
