THE decision by the Planning Inspectorate to dismiss the Poolway Farm wind turbine appeal is excellent news for the people of Coleford. It is a hard-won victory for the residents, the Forest of Dean District Council Planners and for common sense. The Planning Inspector said that a turbine in this setting would have been highly incongruous. He stated that it would have had a significant and harmful impact not only on the landscape, sport and recreation in the area but also the living conditions of local residents.

The Inspector, in his report, drew attention to the fact that the Forest of Dean Council's landscape protection policy is 'wanting' and that it has no specific 'renewable energy' policy.

It is absolutely essential there is a renewable energy policy in the Forest.

The guidance should prescribe conditions such as a minimum proximity to households and be sensitive to our unique Forest and estuary landscape. Coun Marion Winship and Coun Alan Preest have worked tirelessly to try and get such policies established. Much of the distress and anguish being caused to residents, whose communities are now being targeted by developers with inappropriate turbine applications, would then be avoided.

This decision by the Planning Inspectorate must lead to a more considered approach by developers concerning the suitability of the Forest of Dean for these industrial-scale renewable energy projects.

Carole Bendall

Aylburton Says NO