An inquiry into a wind farm at the centre of Weaver Valley Regional Park started at The Forest Hills Hotel this week.

It is the second inquiry into renewable energy sources in Frodsham this year, following the seven week inquiry into Peel Holdings waste recovery park in April, and has been met with equal anger from residents.

The application by Tegni Cymru, which was recommended for approval by Vale Royal Borough planners, is for four 125 metre turbines in the middle of the Weaver Valley Regional Park, at Aston Grange, Frodsham.

Tegni Cymru believe that the wind farm would help meet Cheshire’s need for renewable energy and would be an appropriate development in a site set aside from industry.

The inquiry continues until Wednesday and a decision is expected in October.

Derek Carter, retired vet who worked for years in the region.

“I am a member of a walking club. On many occasions our walks take us to the lovely Weaver Valley walking through the leafy lanes of Aston Grange Farm.

“The Woodland Trust have been planting trees, wild flower meadows and boggy areas to encourage bird life. How sad if the investment in these new habitats were to be wasted because of the effects of the turbines.

“This is a totally unspoilt area and I would be sorry to see it desecrated by this massive development. It would deter visitors and jeopardise both tourism and local employment. To desecrate an area enjoyed by so many is unacceptable”

Geoffrey Sinclair, SAW member and consultant in rural land use and issues.

“The proposed 125 metre turbines are the biggest size yet used in multiple onshore installations in the UK, and this would be far larger than any group yet built in North Wales or North West England.

“The turbines would appear out of scale and out of character. The Weaver Valley itself provides delightful and tranquil walks while the river has a wide variety of leisure users.”

Derek Batchelor, owner of 18th Century Bartington Hall.

“Bartington Hall is a grade two listed building which dates back to the early 1700s and has a rich history.

“We bought the property in 1987 and set about renovating it in a specific way to preserve its appearance. It is about 17 metres high and the erection of these superstructures at some seven times its height would have a hugely adverse impact on the setting of the building.

“I believe that the wind turbines do kill birds of prey and bats and I am very concerned about this.

“I am deeply worried that our historic and beautiful landscape will be compromised forever, and that our children will look back at these planning decisions in horror.”

Helen Connolly, British Horse Society member.

“The eight mile Aston Ring bridleway is exceptionally valuable in a county which provides poor access for horse riders.

“A horse’s response to a threat is flight, not fight and to the horse’s reaction, blades turning can represent an airborne predator swooping on them. The BHS states that horses may react adversely to the following aspects of wind turbines: blade shadows, blades starting to turn, ice falling and noise.

“The bridleway is under grave threat of falling into disuse, and riders – too afraid to take their horses onto the bridleway – riders will be forced to ride on unsafe roads or give up riding altogether.”