300 sign turbine petition

A petition of more than 300 signatures against plans for wind turbines south of Newark has been handed to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The South Newark Oppose Wind turbines (SNOW) group, which represents residents in Hawton, Cotham and Thorpe organised the petition against plans for turbines off Cotham Road as part of the proposed Hawton Windfarm.

Up to 11 turbines could be built south of Newark but the group is focusing on the Hawton part of development, the only part at planning application stage, with three 126.5metre turbines proposed.

The group handed the petition to planning officer Clare Walker at Kelham Hall.

Mr John Elliott, a member of SNOW and chairman of Cotham Parish Council, said he hoped the council would take residents’ views onboard before making a decision.

He said: “Hopefully the petition gives a clear view that we are not happy with a forest of wind turbines in our area.

“At the moment the most prominent feature in the landscape is Staythorpe Power Station, but if the plans are approved then it will be these turbines.”

Member Mr Michael Earle said the group hoped to raise awareness of the plans.

He said: “A lot of people aren’t really aware of how big these turbines are and how opposing they are going to be on the area.

“They are going to affect a lot of people in south Newark.”

The group plans to continue with its petition.

To contact SNOW for more information email cothampc@ yahoo.co.uk