CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after they quashed a farmer’s plan for a wind turbine in Mouldsworth.

Peter Willis, of Mouldsworth Hall Farm, off Smithy Lane, had applied to install a 325 foot wind turbine on his land. He proposed the electricity produced from the turbine would supply his business with excess sold to the national grid.

Three weeks ago villagers were notified of the application by Mr Willis. They quickly set up the Mouldsworth and Manley Action Group to fight the plan, they organised meetings, wrote press releases, erected campaign signs and held discussions with local councillors and MP Stephen O’Brien.

More than 160 people attended a meeting at Manley Village Hall to discuss the plan last Wednesday.

Chair of the group, Margaret Steward told the forum an FOI request made to Cheshire West and Chester Council revealed Mr Willis had originally planned to install three turbines and had first made enquiries in March 2009.

Mrs Steward said: “The meeting was very calm, organised and to the point. We went through the facts that we had, and discussed fairly what impact a turbine of this size would have on our lives.”

On Friday Mr Willis met with representatives of the action group, and after consideration decided to announce his decision to withdraw his application.

Mr Willis told the Chronicle: “The reaction to my wind turbine proposal from the local community has been vociferous and largely negative.

“I don’t agree with the accuracy of some of the statements made in opposition but I have to accept that most people are against this development.

“Therefore despite the viability and likelihood of planning approval I have decided to withdraw the planning application”.

In a statement the action group said: “Members applaud his (Mr Willis’s) reasoned and sensitive response to the concerns that they had and his sense of community responsibility.

“ We acknowledge that for small businesses, and those charged with the stewardship of our landscape and cultural heritage, such as farmers, achieving a balance between ensuring energy supply and maintaining the best features of the landscape is a difficult challenge.

“We salute this decision as a triumph for common sense and the power of community action.”