Wind turbine sparks outcry

ANGRY . . . Richard Booley first saw the turbine when he opened his bedroom curtains at his home

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Residents’ anger at 100ft ‘monstrosity’

ANGRY Greenfield locals have been left horrified after a 100ft non-operational wind turbine was built in the village, which they say they had no idea was planned.

Richard Booley, who bought his £1.2 million house after years of searching for the property of his dreams to renovate, received a huge shock as the towering turbine rose from the near-by Tanners Mill site.

The company director, who also bought the fields between his stunning home in Hollins Lane and Holmfirth Road to ensure the panoramic valley view remained unspoilt, said: “I was just horrified, it looked like a caravan on a big stick. At first I thought it was a temporary inflatable thing but I couldn’t believe it when it was still there the day after.

“People will look at that now and ask what next, I was just flabbergasted that I did not know anything about it. If I had known I might not have bought the property.

“It’s crazy that they can put up one of the biggest structures in the village without people knowing.”

He is now questioning why only six neighbours were consulted during the planning application process before it was passed last December.

The dull grey turbine, installed by safety company TAG Limited, only has one downward pointing propeller and will be used for training at heights.

The Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association has described the new turbine as a monstrosity.

Another local couple, who have a prominent view of the structure, say they too did not know it was going ahead until planning permission had been passed. They said: “We are outraged that we had absolutely no say.

“We know that you can’t buy a view, but how they can put that on the edge of the Peak Park is beyond us.”

The company agreed to take down their bright orange and blue logo originally emblazoned on the tower, but this week a white banner was hung from the column.

Oldham Council said the firm abided by all planning guidelines during the application process.

Local councillor Richard Knowles objected when the application was considered, however the council’s planning department recommended approval, stating that it would have no detrimental impact on significant views and that it would create three new jobs in the area.

Richard Booley says he would like to work amicably with the company over the issue, but that he will take his fight further should he need to.


The Evening Chronicle reported on October 7 that planning permission had been sought for the non-operational turbine.