PARISH councillors will unite to oppose plans for a 77-metre high turbine that, given the go ahead, would be built on green belt land in Burtonwood.

At a Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council meeting members agreed that the renewable energy structure might impact on residents both visually and environmentally and industrialise the surrounding countryside.

Talking about the turbine, to be located at land next to the M62 by Causeway Bridges Farm, on Alder Lane, Clr Bernard Long (Callands) said: “The turbine would change the industrial landscape of Warrington by extending the urban sprawl into green belt land. The motorway has traditionally been a boundary with Gemini Business Park on one side and countryside on the other and this would change that.

“It would impact on people using the countryside. Where else would they go? They would have to walk further to get away from the visual intrusion the turbine would bring.”

Consulation letters have been sent out to neighbouring properties but there are fears that some people that would be affected have not been told about the scheme.

Clr Long added: “There has been no assessment on the impact of homes in Callands or houses that are south of the motorway, which is inadequate as they will be just as close to the turbine as Causeway Bridges Farm.”

Clr Terry O’Neill (Burtonwood), said: “We objected to a similar development 18 months ago and it was refused. It’s on green belt land among lots of bridal paths and walkways so it would impact on the area and the noise from the blades could disturb residents. The green belt land we have is precious and we can’t industrialise it.”

The plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council and have yet to go before the development control committee to be discussed.