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March 2009

CPRE has given a cautious welcome the amended wind turbine polices for the AONB. Following comments from CPRE and others, and lengthy consideration by the AONB Management Board, the draft polices have been modified in a way that largely meets with CPRE's approval. In particular, the revisions rule out turbines in the most sensitive areas of the AONB, and make clear that groups of more than two turbines will not be acceptable in the rest of the AONB. We are however disappointed that turbine height has not been limited to 11 metres to blade tip, rather than the 25 metres proposed in the plan.

December 2008

The draft Management Plan for the AONB considers whether wind farms should be permitted within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The answer must be a resounding "No", says CPRE South Shropshire. The AONB designation indicates outstanding landscape value and it follows that this landscape needs the strongest protection from intrusive development, including wind farms. Climate change is a pressing priority, but that does not mean that our most exceptional landscapes should be spoilt in an attempt to generate low carbon electricity.

This does not mean that there should be a total ban on wind turbines within the AONB. Individual turbines, small in scale and sensitively sited, have a role to play in providing farms, business and communities with power. The AONB should adopt a policy of small scale solutions for local needs. It certainly must not open the door for wind farm developments aimed at exporting energy to the national grid.

Turbine height needs to be limited to 11 metres to limit intrusion on skylines. This size of turbine will generate a maximum of around 11-12kw with current technology, sufficient power for farms, offices or small companies.

We are concerned about the south-east dip slope of the Wenlock edge. Here, according to Figure 17, suitable wind speeds are matched with "low landscape sensitivity". We would challenge the assertion that the landscape north-west of the B4368/4378 is of low sensitivity. Figure 17 should be modified to show this as of at least moderate sensitivity. There is a very great danger with the current classification that the south-east slope of Wenlock Edge will become cluttered with turbines, damaging views from Corvedale and Clee and detracting from linearity of this important landscape feature. We have similar concerns about the Church Preen / Cardington, Withanstow / Whittingslow, and Pennerley areas.

Special care needs to be given the cumulative visual impact of turbines. In September 2008, environmental and engineering consultancy Entec warned that current guidance on establishing the cumulative impacts of extending wind farms or building successive wind projects is insufficient; particularly the impacts on landscapes, view, cultural heritage and ornithology. Their arguments apply equally well to single turbines, and the AONB needs a clear policy on cumulative impacts.

We note that the Ministry of Defence has insisted that some turbines carry aircraft warning lights. It is important that light pollution in the AONB is kept to a minimum. Turbines should not be located where such lights are required.

Wind turbine at Lower Bent, More, near Bishops Castle.
The turbine is nearly invisible from 1 km away and
is of a type and scale acceptable within the AONB

Further information

• Shropshire Hills AONB