Inquiry opens into power plan

Objectors to United Utilities' plans for 12 wind turbines, a temporary mast and associated equipment on land to the east of Clowbridge Reservoir claimed the scheme would have a significant impact on the character of the area.

Burnley councillors have twice refused the proposals on the grounds they would have a harmful impact on the landscape.

But United Utilities resubmitted the plans after the council drew up its new Local Plan allowing, in principle, for wind farms on this site.

The company lodged an appeal, resulting in the public inquiry that opened at the Town Hall yesterday under planning inspector Keith Durant.

Town planner Peter Dixon, witness for Burnley Borough Council, said the plans would have a major impact on an area that was used for recreation, including walking and horse riding. An existing wind farm at Scout Moor is already highly visible in the area.

Mr Dixon said if the wind farm were allowed to go ahead the series of paths known as the Burnley Way would be particularly affected.

He added: "The development would have a significant impact on the character of the area. For users of the Burnley Way there would be a whole sequence of turbines which would alter the character of the area significantly."

The start of the inquiry comes a week after the Government published guidelines to local councils ordering them to take into account the need for increased use of renewable energy when deciding win farm applications.

United Utilities said the plans would generate clean, green electricity for 8,500 homes in Burnley and help combat global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The town would become one of the greenest boroughs in the country, with about 40 per cent of homes powered by clean electricity.

A second appeal against refusal for three turbines on land at New Barn Farm, off Billington Road, Hapton is also being heard. The inquiry is expected to last six days.