A NEW wind farm with 130-metre tall turbines on countryside north of Winchester has met with strong opposition from city council planners.

Winchester councillors voted to oppose the proposal for six turbines at Woodmancott Down, near Micheldever, amidst fears over noise levels and aviation safety.

The plans are currently being considered by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Winchester planners said it objects to Woodmancott when considered in conjunction with the Bullington Cross wind farm proposal only about three miles away.

Planning officer, Dave Dimon, argued while the Woodmancott turbines might not be visually clear during the summer given the haze, on a clear winter’s day they would be detrimental to the landscape.

The Winchester councillors said the turbines would have an “unacceptable impact upon the unspoilt landscape character of the area and its contribution to the setting of the South Downs National Park.”

However, the main points raised at the planning committee last Thursday were in response to the potentially harmful low frequency noise, emitted by the turning turbines.

Cllr Malcolm Wright said in a statement submitted to the panel: “Unforeseen weather conditions such as pressure stratification can bounce noise going up back downwards.

“This, along with the configuration of the noise generating wind turbines and wind direction can amplify the noise levels considerably.”

Emily Bray, a local resident, argued that she had conducted some research into wind farms elsewhere and said reports had indicated mental and health issues associated with the low level frequency noises emitted from the turbines, calling for further research to be done prior to any commitment to the project.

Ms Bray said: “We live with our four young children in the house closest to the wind farm. The community is 100 per cent against this proposal and there has been no consultation.”

“From a personal perspective we are concerned about the proximity to our family. We strongly believe more research needs to be done.”

Mr Dimon confirmed he had also seen evidence put forward by the MoD relating to the nearby site at Bullington Cross, located seven km from Woodmancott, which indicated concerns over interference with air traffic control radar.