Residents preparing for latest wind turbine fight

Residents preparing for latest wind turbine fight

5 November 2014

RESIDENTS of a rural area outside Ballynahinch have warned they will consider High Court action against planners if they approve a hilltop wind turbine at Mullaghdrin Road East.

Members of an active residents’ group, formed to oppose the 40-metre development, has this week said they will consider seeking a judicial review if the mast is approved.

The warning comes following weeks of delays over the planning application for the proposed wind turbine, which will create electricity on a site that was turned down by planners two years ago.

At that time, residents were relieved an application to instal the turbine was rejected by planners. They were then shocked when a similar application was lodged for the same area just a few months ago.

Planners have now recommended approval of the latest application despite the level of discontent in the community, which has submitted almost 130 objections to the scheme.

Almost 80 further objection letters to the turbine will be lodged with planners this week.

Residents had been hopeful that their concerns would persuade planners to reject the application but they are now anticipating the approval will go ahead this month.

Mr. Peter Allen, speaking on behalf of an active residents’ group opposing the scheme, said there was a general belief within the group that their concerns had not been taken properly into account, despite a commitment by Environment Minister, Mark Durkan, to listen to objectors.

He said there was expectation that approval would soon be forthcoming with residents prepared to “go down the road” of a judicial review if necessary,

“We do not believe that any serious consideration has been given to our point of view,” he said.

“The NI Environmental Agency has described this area, the Dromara Craggy Uplands, as highly sensitive to wind energy development.

“There is overwhelming opposition locally to this particular application which will be a considerable blot on our beautiful local landscape.”