A victory for our countryside

Mr Mark Simpson, the land owner, has confirmed that he will not be proceeding with his bid to seek planning approval for the 21.5 mtr high turbine on his ancient meadow land of high landscape value within the green belt. This is situated between the villages of Gildingwells and Letwell which have many buildings of ancient designated heritage importance which are protected..

After RMBC planning department advised the land owner that they could not support the application because there was no special circumstances to justify the inappropriate development in the green belt, they further commented that the size and scale of the turbine would harm the visual amenity and openness of the green belt in the proposed location.They further stated that there was overwhelming opposition from neighbours and the local community to the turbine.

A big thank you and congratulations to all who campaigned against the proposed industrialisation and destruction of the treasured green belt with such a noisy and alien structure in constant motion. It is a victory for people power and common sense.

Local residents organised public meetings, signed petitions and sent in hundreds of letters to voice their objection to the proposals. It was a real and sustained community effort.

Once again, congratulations to all involved who care for the green and pleasant land which is our open countryside

K Goodall, Gildingwells