A MAN whose application for a wind farm in Benington was thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate has submitted proposals for a single turbine in the village.
The scheme for three 390ft (119m) high turbines in the Beane Valley was dismissed towards the beginning of last year, following a week-long public inquiry in December 2009, largely because of the visual impact, their effect on nearby listed buildings and the fact that two would have been on Green Belt land.
However, farmer Andrew Bott, of RH Bott Sons, has sent an application to East Herts Council for one 284ft (86.5m) high turbine by High Elms Lane.
The area is not in the Green Belt, will have a reduced effect on the listed buildings and less of a visual impact as the turbine would be smaller.
Mr Bott, 46, said: “One of the houses affected is Frogmore Hall, but this will barely impact at all. You will see it through the trees a bit from the top of the house.
“You will still see it from Gregory’s Farm, but there will only be one turbine instead of three.”
It would be seen from a number of houses in Benington, including the Botts’, but not from Watton-at-Stone approximately 3.5 miles (5.6km) away, as the previous turbines would have been.
The noise emitted will be less than 35db, which is quieter than a fridge, and the turbine will produce enough electricity per year to supply the equivalent of 346 houses
It will cost more than £1m to install and generate an income of £300,000, but it is unknown what the profit will be owing to high running costs and insurance.
Mr Bott said: “It will be a real benefit to our farming operation. We use quite a lot of electricity and this will help with our electricity consumption and reduce the carbon footprint.”
The last planning application had strong opposition from residents of the Stop Benington Wind Farm Action Group (SBWFAG) and the Botts hope to have addressed their concerns.
Members of the public should be able to view the plans by the end of next week at Hertford and Stevenage libraries, East Herts Council’s Hertford headquarters and online at www.eastherts.gov.uk.
The planning reference is 3/11/1190/FP.