Why We Object
As a community, we are deeply concerned about the proposed Upton Cressett (Criddon Hall Farm) development of two large wind turbines. We believe that turbines of the size proposed (80 metres to blade tip) are unacceptable to the community because:
  • These industrial wind turbines will spoil the spectacular countryside around the Shropshire Hills (much of which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
  • Such large moving industrial fabrications should not be sited close to existing housing. There are houses as close as 650m to the site of the turbines who may be impacted by noise and shadow flicker as well as the severe visual impact. The turbines will dwarf surrounding homes.
  • The Jack Mytton Way is Shropshire’s premier tourist trail used by walkers, riders and cyclists.  The turbines have the potential to drive these people away from the area. Who wants to stay near wind turbines?  This is inconsistent with the key status that the Way holds on the Bridgnorth Place Plan.
  • The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends that turbines should be, in distance, three times the height away from bridleways for safe riding (four times for national routes) – ie 240 to 320 metres (BHS - Advice on Wind Turbines). At Upton Cressett the turbines will be sited just 150 metres from the bridleway.
  • Research has concluded that turbines “sited closer than 1.5km from housing ... present an unacceptable risk of causing sleep disturbance and high levels of annoyance to those residents.” (Dr C.Hanning 2010)
  • These constantly moving structures are nearly twice the size of Nelson’s Column and will be seen from as far away as Wolverhampton breaking the skyline towards the Welsh hills.
  • Granting planning permission for these wind turbines will create a precedent. The west Bridgnorth hills have become a target for wind developers and this area could become a wind turbine landscape.  
  • Close to the turbine site is the hamlet of Upton Cressett which has received a national award for Best ‘Hidden Gem’ in the country in the Hudson’s Heritage Awards, the Oscars of the heritage tourism world. The setting and views will be blighted not only for the Grade I Upton Cressett Hall, Grade I Gatehouse and fine 12th century Grade I St Michael's Church threatened but also the deserted Medieval Village, an important Roman archaeological site, an avenue of Spanish chestnut trees planted in 1815 to celebrate the victory at Waterloo, the 16c deer park, along with medieval moat and fish ponds. The Shropshire Star describes Upton Cressett as a ‘secret jewel of the county’. 
  • In the immediate vicinity is a further concentration of over 24 heritage buildings of national importance including two which are Grade I listed – Morville Hall, owned by the National Trust, and the 12th century St Gregory’s Church, Morville.
  • The potential detrimental effect on wildlife (especially bats, and protected nesting birds) around Meadowley and Chetton and the ancient woodland of Meadowley. The turbines will overlook nearby protected ancient woodlands and surrounding heritage sites. See our page on impact on wildlife – click here.
  • This application is the first of many applications for wind turbines on the hills west of Bridgnorth and therefore, if permitted,  will set a precedent for such industrial structures in the area.
  • Installation of the turbines will involve building large concrete bases which will be situ forever.
  • Currently 6% of the Shropshire economy relies on tourism, with 11 million visitors each year – employing 8000 people in full time jobs. Bridgnorth is the ‘gateway’ to Shropshire and needs to be protected as one of the market town jewels of the county.

PG Wodehouse, who was brought up around Bridgnorth, and used to cycle as a boy around the country lanes of Morville, Meadowley and Upton Cressett always described the countryside around Bridgnorth as ‘the paradise of England’. Let’s keep it that way.