THE ARGUMENT FOR

Installing wind turbines in the Derbyshire Dales will continue a tradition of using the landscape's resources for energy, according to an expert.

Jeffrey Stevenson spoke on behalf of Carsington Wind Energy, on Tuesday, as part of the company's appeal to build a wind farm on Carsington Pastures.

During the inquiry, Mr Stevenson, who spoke as a landscape expert, said: "I believe that the proposal would be seen as part of a continuum of human endeavour, harnessing resources with this landscape, a continuum which extends back through time for thousands of years and over which time the appearance of the landscape has changed radically."

Carsington Pastures has been mined for thousands of years, with archaeologicalfinds dating back to the Roman times.

Mr Stevenson added that he felt the wind turbines could be installed without significant harm to the natural beauty of the area despite the fact that it would change the view from roads, tracks and public rights of way.

He told the inquiry that there were already a number of pylons and industrial works close to the site.

He said: "I do not consider the site to be wild or especially tranquil."
During the hearing, Anthony Crean, on behalf of the council asked if Mr Stevenson believed that the proposal would cause harm to landscape interests.

But Mr Stevenson said: "I do not believe so but I can understand how others may see that."

He added: "I have listened to the view put forward by the council. I do not find it convincing."


THE ARGUMENT AGAINST

Concerns about the impact of turbines on people's health have been raised as part of an inquiry into plans to build a wind farm in the Derbyshire Dales.

During the hearing, protester Professor Don Mackenzie raised issues about the noise from the turbines and referred to research into Wind Turbine Syndrome.

He told planning inspector Robin Brooks that there were reports about a range of medical symptoms in people living close to wind farms such as headaches, anger and anxiety.

He said: "The residents of Carsington would like to continue to enjoy tranquil evenings in their gardens without the rhythmic beating of the turbines. Please help us to do this by disallowing the imposition of an industrial scale degredation of our rural environment."

During the meeting, on Thursday, Mr Mackenzie also raised concerns about the impact the turbines would have on the landscape.

He said: "We consider that the British upland areas are some of our most precious landscapes, providing a haven of tranquillity and sense of remoteness that must be preserved for the benefit of all those who appreciate them – and they are many. I think that there are few people who will appreciate the 'pincushion' landscape that will result from the achievement of the currently unrealistic wind energy targets."

Dr Andrew Mckenzie who spoke as an expert on behalf of the applicant, West Coast Energy, also known as Carsington Wind Energy, said: "It is my view that there can be no objection to this scheme on noise grounds."