Cranagh Road wind turbine application held

The application for a 32 metre turbine at Cranagh Road appeared on the planning schedule as a refusal, however councillors voted to hold the application for one month to allow the applicant time to submit new information to Planners.

There are three objection letters to the application.

The letters all highlight the visual impact the turbine will have on the Cranagh Road area, which overlooks Castlerock, Portstewart and Binevenagh.

Planners state both visual and noise impact as reasons for refusal.

At Tuesday night’s meeting a proposal by UUP councillor William King to hold the application for one month was seconded by DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan. Councillor McQuillan also asked Planners to consult with Environmental Health in relation to the visual impact of the turbine.

Councillor William King made the point: “More turbines have been approved and have had a bigger impact than this application.”

Responding to the councillor, Mr Wilson of the Planning Department told members that the location of the turbine, at the top of Cranagh Road, was the main issue. He said: “It can been seen from Portstewart and Castlerock - our tourist attractions.”

The Mayor, councillor Sam Cole added: “ We must keep in mind the tourism aspect.

“Would we be setting a president if we allow this application?

Mr Wilson told the meeting that each planning application submitted to the department is looked at on its own merits.

On being put to a vote members agreed to defer the application for one month.