TWO Derbyshire councils are formally objecting against plans for a wind farm on the edge of the Peak District.
Derbyshire Wind Energy, a subsidiary of West Coast Energy, wants to build three 126-metre turbines on Matlock Moor, overlooking the Derwent Valley close to Chatsworth House and the national park boundary.
Opponents fear it will harm the landscape and deter tourists from the area.
The site, off Wirestone Lane, straddles the areas of North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales councils. At meetings this week, both authorities' planning boards voted to oppose the application.
A spokesman for North East Derbyshire Council – whose planning committee voted by 14 to three in opposition to the scheme – said: "This is an area of open moorland which can be viewed from the Peak District National Park and this proposal would detract from the special quality, tranquillity and character of this landscape, along with neighbouring heritage sites.
"The area is also a desirable living environment, supports significant visitor accommodation facilities and is well used for the recreation of both residents and visitors.
"The visual presence and noise of the proposed turbines will reduce the attractiveness of the area and thereby the important contribution which tourism and recreation make to the local economy."
A decision on the scheme will be made by a Government planning inspector after a public inquiry in February.
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