Wind turbine at Thoulstone refused

West Wiltshire's first major wind power application has been thrown out by WC planners. The 86.5 metre high turbine at Thoulstone Farm in Chapmanslade, near the Dead Maids junction of the A36, was put forward by Clearwood Energy Ltd.

The scheme generated strong local opposition. Planning officers gave six reasons for refusal, some of which involved the lack of information provided by the applicants. The more substantial reasons emphasised the impact on the landscape, especially on views from Cley Hill, as well as the affect on nearby listed properties.

Significantly, planners say that, "The introduction of a tall strident, imposing, dominant, alien form of vertical structure, emphasised in its scale and presence by the movement and sweep of the rotor blades, would be at odds with the key characteristics of the landscape which sees few vertical features." This could apply to large areas of Wiltshire and implies that other similar applications would be unlikely to be successful unless they can somehow overcome the problem of landscape impact.

The application reference number is 14/08778/FUL and details can be seen on the WC website here