Turbines access proposal refused

The proposed site is near Market Drayton

Plans for a track to the proposed site of a wind turbine scheme in Shropshire have been refused by councillors.

Residents had opposed proposals for seven 105m (344ft)-high wind turbines between Norton-in-Hales and Woore.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's planning committee refused an application for vehicle access from the B5026 in Staffordshire on Tuesday.

North Shropshire District Council is expected to discuss Nuon Renewables' plans for wind turbines in September.

Council planners had said the proposal for access on to the road and for an estate track for the proposed wind farm was recommended for approval because it would have "limited" impact on the landscape and highway safety would not be affected.

But the application was refused on the grounds of road safety, "adverse impact on the landscape" and "impact on character and visual amenity".

Nuon Renewables has said the turbines could produce energy to power 6,000 homes.

Campaign group Vortex has claimed the landscape would be ruined if the turbines were built.