HERITAGE
Below we give our analysis of the application report on Heritage, and our version of the
amazingly interesting history of this area, plus all the evidence.
FOR EASE OF UNDERSTANDING AND COMPARING THE APPLICATION WITH OUR EVIDENCE,
WE ARE FOLLOWING THE FORMAT OF THE APPLICATION:
PLANNING SUPPORT STATEMENT - REPLY
3.25
IRON AGE
We were surprised at the paucity of the information supplied. A farmer in Bridegate Lane,
Hickling Pastures, found evidence of Iron-age occupation. This is highly likely as the Ironage village of Holwell is so close.
3.26
ROMANS
This area is well-known for its Roman occupation. The soil in the Vale of Belvoir is high
grade due to it once being under the sea. In fact the sea came up to the bottom of the
escarpment at the end of Green Lane. The Ice Age deposits brought down with glaciers,
plus the nearby river which used to flow into the sea during that time, guaranteed useful
soil. We know at one time there would have been dense forestation due to the huge
deposits of coal underground. Children in this area delight in searching for fossils as during
the Ice Age glaciers not only melted downwards to the sea, but occasionally became frozen
again, and moved up the escarpment with embedded sea creatures, which eventually
became fossils. Dinosaurs definitely walked this land as can be proved in Leicester
museum.
Therefore by the time the Romans arrived in this area the Vale of Belvoir already had
settlements. From maps eg page 10 of “The Vale of Belvoir” by Michael Honeybone, one
can see the Roman roads criss-crossing the Vale, including Long Lane, Hickling, which came
right across the Vale, up The Standards, along the road now known as Folly Hall Lane, and all
the way to Roman town of Vernometum which means Spring Grove, by the Roman Fosse
Way, near the area called Six Hills/Willoughby. Hickling definitely had a Roman station or
Mansios, and including Owthorpe were all connected to the Fosse Way. If one lives in this
area one definitely has the feeling of the Roman occupation driving along uniquely straight
roads made for the quick movement of soldiers and food supplies. Peter Liddle, wellknown local Archaeologist from Leicester said at his recent March lecture in Upper
Broughton that this area has never been fully excavated and there still yet may be found
many more ancient treasures. Because this area is on the boundary of 2 counties, he said
that areas like these tend to get overlooked when it gets to funding excavations. In an area
as the Vale of Belvoir it is a presumption to believe there would be no more discoveries
underground. Close to Hickling Standard Roman coins were discovered. These are now in
Nottingham Castle Museum. Also Roman medals have been discovered in this area which
were sold to a Nottingham printer.
Nether Broughton is also badly impacted by the turbine, including the church. There have
been reported many findings of Roman coins and pottery within close proximity of the
church. In 1949 2 blocks of hand-crafted stone were found in the garden of the Old
Rectory. The stones designed originally as blocks to fit one on top of the other have been
identified as Roman origin. These stones made up a Roman quern which was used for
grinding corn. The discovery of this quern further indicated that an early settlement had
been located at the crest of the hill where the church and old Rectory now stand. The
quern can be seen today inside the church. The Roman laid a tessellated pavement here,
which has now gone.
Please see attached Appendix 1 for more information on the Romans in this area.
3.27
SAXONS
We were aghast at the comment (Appendix 5 Heritage Assessment Report “The absence of
early Saxon remains within the search area, and in the wider locality suggest that the site
has no negligible potential for Saxon remains”. Plus the comment 5.5.1 “There are no
records of early Saxon finds or sites from the search area.”
THIS IS A MOST IMPORTANT SAXON AREA. The known Saxon grave site locally at
Broughton Lodge will be overlooked by the proposed turbine. Both Hickling and Upper
Broughton were Saxon villages and flourished during this period. Who knows what will be
dug up in the future?
Appendix 2 gives more details about the Saxons in this area
WE ARE HORRIFIED AT THE THOUGHT OF THE PROPOSED WIND TURBINE SITE POSSIBLY
DESECRATING AN ANCIENT SITE AS IT IS AT THE HIGHEST POINT OVERLOOKING THE MAIN
VIEW. IN FACT PERHAPS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT
PRIOR TO ANY PRE-CONSTRUCTION WORK.
Only a few months ago we discovered that St Lukes Church, Hickling , had the oldest church
monument in the County of Nottinghamshire. This is a coped cover of a Saxon Coffin. This
information was published in Southwell Diocese publication Top Trumps – Heritage.
(Appendix 3). Appendix 3a gives further evidence of the Saxon coffin lid.
Records show that land at Upper Broughton prior to the Norman Conquest was held by
Algar, Earl of Mercia and son of Lady Godiva.
The earliest owner of Nether Broughton is Morcar, Earl of Northumbria during the reign of
Edward the Confessor. The village was part of the Framland Wapentake. ‘Framland’ was a
Saxon term for a parcel of land. Wapentake was originally used to describe weapon bearing
men gathering together to discuss local issues. These gatherings later developed into local
government.
3.28
MEDIEVAL
There are extensive areas of ridge and furrow in the area of the wind turbine, and will
remain so from now on due to the fact that they now have to be preserved. This area is
very popular with the Quorn Monday Hunt because of the ancient grasslands. Please see
Appendix 3b on the Quorn Hunt.
The famous medieval pillar of an old Christian cross stands in the heart of the conservation
village of Upper Broughton is only 660m from the proposed turbine. This cross was erected
at a thanksgiving for deliverance of the population who were survivors of the Black Death.
Upper Broughton for some reason escaped this devastation unlike nearby Hickling.
The ‘Wound Heal’ Spring located near Rectory House in Upper Broughton was noted for the
cure of scorbutic eruptions and was well-known locally in Medieval times.
The outstanding medieval churches are discussed later.
In Nether Broughton earthworks were located in a field opposite the Old Rectory which is
known locally as moat field. The applicant fails to mention these earthworks which are
classed as an ancient listed monument. The theory is that this is the remnant of the
medieval village which was here. Other earthworks were identified in the late 1940s from
aerial photographs. These include features indicating medieval embankments to enclosed
woods to prevent the escape of deer which were entrapped here for hunting.
MEDIEVAL HICKLING
Built into the wall of St Luke’s church is a beautiful stone carved grave marker, carved in
relief, depicting the Tree of Life. See Appendix 4.
It appears that the stone set vertically into the wall was placed here in
Victorian times when the wall was rebuilt. The stone seems to have been
chiselled along one edge to fit into the line of brickwork of the wall.
It is not made from local stone but is of Mansfield White stone, found in
the north of Nottinghamshire. Southwell Minster is built in parts by this
same type of stone.
The stone has been dated as 13th century and would have originally been set
in the floor of the church, perhaps quite close to the altar. It was made
for someone of great importance, this is clear by the size and the
intricate stone carved design. The design is done in relief which would
have taken more time and skill to do, which again points to it being for a
very important person.
In Nottinghamshire, there is just one other such stone showing the Tree of
Life design. This is found in the church at Fledborough, which is in the
North of Nottinghamshire near Tuxford. The stone at Hickling is equal if
not better than the Fledborough one which makes the Hickling stone one of
great importance and unique in this area. The design on the Hickling stone
is more intricate and detailed than the Fledborough stone.
CIVIL WAR
The applicant has completely omitted the CIVIL WAR PERIOD. The high escarpment to the
left of the proposed turbine is called The Standard, reputed to be after the pro-Royalist
village people who gathered there before marching to Nottingham to protect the King
Charles I. On the other side the turbine will also impact on another Civil War area of
Willoughby, where there was a famous battle, and many interesting tombs in their church.
St. Luke’s Hickling shows distinctive scars from this period: shot marks and graffiti on the
ancient wooden door, for example.
Please see appendix 5.
3.29 – MODERN
The first important point here, left out of the Application, is the significance of the
archaeological site which is found in the churchyards in Upper Broughton, Hickling and
Nether Broughton. The Vale of Belvoir is unique in having Belvoir Angel gravestones, and it
is believed there may be as many beneath the surface as above. The main characteristics of
the Belvoir headstones is that it has a cherub face (sometimes more than one) with downturned wings and the ruff around the neck of the cherub. The Belvoir angels were engraved
usually on slate headstones between 1690 and 1740. As they cover a period of 50 years it is
likely they were the work of one local business rather than an individual stonemason. The
highest concentration of visible stone are found in the church yards of Upper Broughton,
Hickling and Nether Broughton, the 3 churches near to the proposed wind turbine. Upper
Broughton has 25 still visible stones, Nether Broughton has 34 and Hickling has 33. Tourists
from all over the world, particularly from America, where similar Indian carvings have been
found, come to the Vale of Belvoir churchyards especially to see these unique and
interesting heritage assets of the area. The proposed wind turbine will loom over the
Upper Broughton church graveyard detracting from these unique artefacts. Please see
appendix 6.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS
This May we hired a blimp for the day. This allowed us to view the height and position of
the proposed wind turbine. Sadly from our point of view the trees and shrubs were all in
full leaf. However, we are aware that the turbine will be 20% more in view during the
winter months. We understand that houses in this location could see the blimp, so
although the cross may, or may not directly be seen by the turbine, the surrounding area
will be, and all the approach roads too.
It must be remembered that this wind turbine would be 220 ft PLUS IT WOULD BE ON THE
HIGHEST POINT OF THE HILL WHICH IS 110 METRES from the level of the Belvoir Valley.
Therefore it will be visible for miles around impacting on scheduled monuments within 5km
radius and further. It is possible to see Lincoln Cathedral which is approximately 40 miles
away. The area of the following monuments will be detrimentally impacted on:
The Standing Cross on Upper Broughton Village Green
Saxon cemetery, south west of Broughton Lodge
Moated site, north-east of St Remigius Church, Long Clawson
Moat, fishponds, enclosures, hollow way and postmill mound
Newbold Medieval Settlement
St Wilfrid’s Church and Churchyard
Preceptory at Old Dalby
Thorpe in the Glebe Medieval settlement
3.3.6 – CONSERVATION (Planning Supporting Statement).
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL IN THEIR DOCUMENT, CONSERVATION IN
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, STATES Conservation aims at the preservation and enhancement of
buildings and areas for the benefit of this and future generations. ……Also to ensure that
future development is executed in a harmonious and sympathetic manner. ……….Also to
prevent the destruction of the character and style peculiar to a village.
Upper Broughton, except for a few modern unsympathetically designed houses in the
1960s/70s, has sought to keep the village as eye-appealing as possible, often going to great
lengths to do so, including hiding electric power cables, and requesting that dilapidated
cowsheds be pulled down. Upper Broughton is a village in the true sense, a close
community spirit, fundraising for all community activies like the Jubilee, an active village hall
and church community. There is an active and positive public participation and cooperation in ensuring that all aspects of the conservation criteria are adhered to and that
nothing is allowed to affect the character of the area. It has brought total disquiet in the
village that an ultra-modern looking wind turbine, made of modern non-destructible, nonrecycling material, could impact on the conservation area as an unsympathetic and alien
development in their village. We agree with the applicant that it will be a feature in the
landscape, but we consider it to be totally out of character and out-of-keeping in this area.
It is most certainly not appropriate in a conservation village filled with listed Grade II
buildings dating from Tudor times. The historical architectural and archaeological interest
will be severely affected by the proposed wind turbine due to it being visible to more or less
degree throughout the village, especially in winter. This also applies to the near
conservation villages of Hickling, Long Clawson and Old Dalby.
HISTORY OF THE NEARBY VILLAGES OF UPPER BROUGHTON, HICKLING, HICKLING
PASTURES AND NETHER BROUGHTON.
To prove that the area surrounding the proposed wind turbine has a outstanding historical
past, we attach Appendix 7 giving interesting historical facts. Each one of these villages has
an enthusiastic History Society. Historians are invited to speak, and there is the opportunity
to have history walks in other villages. Upper Broughton last year, using Lottery funding,
researched the life of their village during the 1914 – 18 and 1939 – 45 world wars, putting
on a major display in the village hall and in the library in Melton Mowbray, plus including
the children at Kinoulton village school. The information is all on the village website.
Nether Broughton, also using Lottery funding, were so proud of their history, that for the
Millenium they erected excellent information boards illustrating their Trail.
LISTED BUILDINGS – GRADE 2
Quote from the Planning Statement “3.37 There are no grade 2 listed buildings within the
5km study zone which have an extensive setting or part of a designed landscape in which
the turbines are visually intrusive”. WE STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT,
AND THE APPLICATION IS ONLY FOR ONE TURBINE! We show below why we disagree:
In a 5 mile radius of the proposed wind turbine there are ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTYFOUR LISTED BUILDINGS, GRADE 1 AND 2, mostly Grade 2. In a 5km radius there are
nearly 50 Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings. These are in the villages of Upper Broughton 10,
Hickling 30, Nether Broughton and Old Dalby 28, Willoughby 6. The other two villages are
Wymeswold 47 and Widmerpool 4. There are different levels of impact by the proposed
turbine, and while the trees and shrubs are in green leaf it is difficult to know exactly how
much some properties will be impacted. Impact is one thing, but changing the character
of the whole area which includes this very large number of listed buildings, is something
else. These villages, of course, abound with old and very old properties but they do not
necessarily meet the criteria to be listed. The whole village becomes a conservation
village instead embracing all the other properties.
I have concentrated therefore on the properties which receive full impact of the turbine,
but then will mention some properties which are part of the wider vernacular.
NETHER BROUGHTON:
This is a joint Parish of Broughton and Old Dalby, and jointly there are 28 Grade 2* and
Grade 2 properties.
THE APPLICANT CHOSE TO IGNORE THIS VILLAGE KNOWING THE IMPACT ON IT WOULD BE
CONSIDERABLE, ESPECIALLY THE CHURCH, THE OLD RECTORY AND MILL HOUSE. DRIVING
DOWN THE HILL ON THE A606 FROM UPPER BROUGHTON INTO THE VALLEY AND UP THE
HILL INTO NETHER BROUGHTON THESE 3 PROPERTIES STAND PROUD ON THE TOP OF THE
ESCARPMENT AND WILL HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE PROPOSED TURBINE.
CHURCH OF ST MARY NETHER BROUGHTON. This is a grade 2* listed building situated 2
km from the proposed turbine, AND OVERLOOKS THE VILLAGE OF UPPER BROUGHTON
AND THE PROPOSED SITE. IT IS NOT INVISIBLE AS WRITTEN BY THE APPLICATION
AUTHOR. (Heritage statement 6.4.6.). THE WIND TURBINE WILL NOT BE SCREENED BY
LOCAL TOPOGRAPHY OR TREE COVER. SEE APPENDIX 8 which shows that the turbine will
be seen from this church.. Appendix 7 gives information about this church.
THE OLD RECTORY, NETHER BROUGHTON. Grade 2. 2 km from the turbine. As this
beautiful Georgian building, situated next to The Church of St Mary, is on the headland of
the escarpment overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, and across the valley to Upper Broughton,
this property WILL HAVE FULL VIEWS OF ALMOST THE ENTIRE WIND TURBINE looming out
of the rear of Upper Broughton. It is from this view that one would easily see St Luke’s
Church Upper Broughton just below and in front of the proposed turbine. See Appendix
16. The property was originally a rectory built in 1795, intruded early 19th century for Rev
Noble. It is in red brick, party rendered, hipped slate roof and brick internal stacks.
Double depth plan. Two storeys, 3 window range. Original entrance front to north has
cental double-leaf part glazed door with rendered head. East front facing garden has
large tripartite sashes to ground and first floors with blank segmental arched heads. It has
an open well staircase with stick balusters, scrolled tread ends and mahogany ramped and
wreathed handrail. Lit from above by octagonal timber skylight. Brick vaulted cellar.
THE MILL HOUSE. This pretty Grade 2 listed house is situated on the A606 at the top of
the hill on the right-hand side as one enters the village of Nether Broughton from Upper
Broughton. It will be severely impacted by the proposed wind turbine. This house was
built between 1830 and 1840. It is red brick in Flemish bond, 2 storeys and has a 3
window range. It was at one time the mill house for grinding wheat.
There are other Grade 2 properties in Nether Broughton but these are the most important
as far as immediate impact, and change of character of the village.
Appendix 9 shows photographs of these two houses.
HICKLING GRADE 1 AND 2 PROPERTIES. 2.5 – 3 km from the turbine.
This is a conservation village, and except for two small fairly modern estates, and the
occasional modern house, the whole village has property going back to the 1700s, or
thereabouts. The village has been very active in its support against the turbine as it does
not want the character of the village changed. The Grantham Canal is much loved by the
locals and visitors alike, and at weekend the Canal amenity is well used by walkers,
cyclists, exercising dogs, etc. Appendix 12 shows photos of Hickling properties.
ST LUKES CHURCH, HICKLING, GRADE 1. Please see Appendix 7.
There are altogether 29 GRADE 2 PROPERTIES, INCLUDING PARTS OF THE GRANTHAM
CANAL. Owners of numerous properties in Hickling reported seeing the blimp, from one
end of the village, Elm House Grade 2, who had a clear view, to The Old Rectory Grade 2,
whose owner also reported seeing it at the other end of the village. As he saw it, St
Lukes Church (Grade I) next door will definitely be impacted. Once again it is strongly
believed that in winter the impact will be much greater.
The Grade 2 property which will be most impacted will be Dell Farm in the Hickling
Pastures part of Hickling, ie on the escarpment overlooking Hickling. Only 0.6km from the
proposed turbine. ALL VIEWS FROM ALL ANGLES, IE UPPER BROUGHTON, NETHER
BROUGHTON, GREEN LANE, HICKLING LANE WILL SHOW DELL FARM TOGETHER WITH THE
TURBINE RUINING THE CHARACTER OF THIS DELIGHTFUL PROPERTY, SET IN ANCIENT
RIDGE AND FURROW LANDSCAPE FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS. THE TURBINE WILL BE SEEN
FROM SEVERAL MAIN ROOMS IN THE HOUSE. Appendix 10 shows the impact on Dell
Farm by the proposed turbine, which is now sited slightly to the left in the picture.
OLD DALBY
Old Dalby is a traditional part conservation village, which is within the 5km distance, but is
in two parts, as the ex Army base in an area called Queensway has now been turned into a
private residential area, and the sheds have become industrial units. Upper Broughton is
situated on a high ground and the land between the two villages is flat, so they both have
good vistas of each other. This means all along the edge facing Upper Broughton will
have an uninterrupted view of the proposed turbine. The old part of the village rises on
a hill, and at the top of the hill if one turns right, all the properties along the road towards
Station Road, Upper Broughton will have clear views too. This village has been blighted
with wind turbine planning applications and 2 are pending at the moment. The
Wymeswold turbine is very close. The old part of this elegant pretty village has 28 Grade 2
properties. The residents are less than happy at the thought of having yet another
turbine impacting on them.
WILLOUGHBY ON THE WOLDS
This delightful old village with a huge historical background, will also be impacted by the
proposed turbine because of its height. This village is also within the 5km (4.83km)
distance. As the Wymeswold turbine already impacts on them they are extremely
annoyed about this particular planning application for another turbine. They have 6
Grade 2 properties including the beautiful St Mary and All Saints Church. As one can see
from Appendix 11 the church has many interesting features.
WYMESWOLD
This village is part of the 3 ‘W’ (Willoughby, Widmerpool and Wymeswold) so it is
important to the relationship of villages to Upper Broughton. It is only 8 km from the
proposed turbine, and as their turbine impacts on the whole of this area, and has been
very much in evidence last winter before the leaves on the trees grew, the Upper
Broughton turbine will impact on them! There are an astonishing 47 Grade 2 listed
buildings in this attractive and popular village.
KINOULTON
Kinoulton is 3.22 km from Upper Broughton. The edge of the village will be visually
impacted. These are 13 Grade 2 properties in Kinoulton, 2 important sites on that edge.
The Old vicarage built in 1849 is magnificent. Designed by Hine. The other important site
is the graveyard of the former church of St Wilfred
GRADE 2 PROPERTIES IN UPPER BROUGHTON.
WE FEEL THESE SHOULD HAVE SPECIAL MENTION. WHILE FLYING THE BLIMP IT BECAME
APPARENT THAT SOME OF THESE WILL HAVE DIRECT IMPACT FROM THE TURBINE, EVEN
MORE SO IN WINTER WHEN THERE IS LESS FOLIAGE. THE TURBINE IS, AFTERALL ONLY
APPROXIMATELY 600 M FROM THE VILLAGE, SO THE IMPACT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL
UNSPOILT VILLAGE IS DEVASTATING. The Grade 2 properties are:
Willow Cottage
Willow Farmhouse
The Free Church
Coach House for the Old Rectory
Ivy Cottage
The Old Rectory
White House farmhouse THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SEVERELY IMPACTED BEING 550M
AWAY FROM THE TURBINE. THE LONG-TIME OWNER IS DEVASTATED.
Broughton House
Hill Farmhouse
Pond Farm
Broughton Grange Farmhouse (not within the village)
Appendix 13 shows the locations of the listed properties.
Appendix 14 shows the location of the turbine in relation to the village.
Appendix 15 shows photos of properties in the village and general visual appearance.
THERE IS NO DOUBT IN THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE OF UPPER BROUGHTON THAT THIS
PROPOSED TURBINE WILL VISUALLY IMPACT ON THIS VILLAGE IS A MOST SERIOUS WAY,
AND CHANGE THE CHARACTER FOR POSSIBLY THE NEXT 20 YEARS OR SO. THE
DEVALUATION OF THIS BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE, AND POSSIBLE HEALTH AFFECTS IS
COMPLETELY UNDESIRABLE. THE LOSS OF AMENITY FOR EVEN SIMPLE THINGS LIKE
SITTING IN THE GARDEN WILL BE SPOILT.
WE STRONGLY URGE THAT THIS TURBINE SHOULD BE REJECTED
FOR THE SAKE OF THE PEOPLE OF UPPER BROUGHTON.
GRADE 1 LISTED CHURCHES IMPACTED BY THE TURBINE
Church of St Luke, Upper Broughton is Grade 1 listed and 800m from the site.
3.37 of the Planning Application statement :
Impact Assessment: There will be no impact on the setting/heritage significance, as the
proposed turbine will not be visible in combination with the church because of local
topography and mature tree cover.
THIS IS CLEARLY UNTRUE AND WE SUBMIT APPENDIX 16 SHOWING A PHOTOMONTAGE
OF THE TURBINE LOOMING OVER THE CHURCH. THE TURBINE WILL TOTALLY DOMINATE
THIS BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT MUCH-LOVED CHURCH. AS LLOYD GROSSMAN (ENGLISH
HERITAGE) SAID AT SOUTHWELL MINSTER IN JANUARY 2014 IN HIS SPEECH, THE MIXING
OF WIND TURBINES WITH MEDIEVAL CHURCHES IS TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE. THIS
SUMS UP HOW THE RESIDENTS OF UPPER BROUGHTON CONSERVATION VILLAGE,
KENNETH CLARKE MP AND VOICES AGAINST TURBINES ALSO THINK.
Appendix 17 gives
the historical background to this church.
Church of St Luke, Hickling is Grade 1 listed and 3km from the site.
It appears that the blimp when flown was visible from The Old Rectory, Hickling. The
church is next door, and much taller, and therefore the turbine will also impact on this
important medieval church, especially in winter. This church was important because of
the formal spread of Christianity in this area.
Appendices 18 gives the history of this fine church.
Church of St Marys and All Saints, Willoughby on the Wolds. Grade 1 listed, only 4 km
from the turbine. As shown with Upper Broughton church, one cannot rule out what the
turbine will impact on being 220ft tall, with 54m rotating blades. As it is only 4km away,
it is felt there is a strong chance of the church being impacted.
Appendix 11 gives information on this beautiful church.
We would like to include here The Church of St Mary The Virgin at Nether Broughton
which is Grade 2*.
ACCORDING TO ENGLISH HERITAGE THE WIDE PANORAMIC VIEW MUST ALWAYS BE
TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN DEALING WITH GRADE 1 LISTED CHURCHES AND
WIND TURBINES, AS THE TURBINE IS SUCH A NEGATIVE FORCE. IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT
FROM THE HIGH POINT BETWEEN LONG CLAWSON AND NETHER BROUGHTON THAT THIS
TURBINE COULD BE SEEN AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE TWO GRADE 1 CHURCHES OF
HICKLING AND UPPER BROUGHTON, AND THE GRADE 2* CHURCH OF NETHER
BROUGHTON.
THIS IS OBVIOUSLY TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
AS IT WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE APPLICANT’S HERITAGE STATEMENT, WE WOULD LIKE
TO MAKE A PLEA FOR BELVOIR CASTLE. THIS FINE BUILDING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE
BELVOIR VALE, CAN BE SEEN CLEARLY ALL ROUND THE VALE, AND NOW SADLY FROM THE
PROPOSED TURBINE SITE. THE TURBINE IS SITUATED SO HIGH AGAINST THE SKY THAT
VISITORS TO THE CASTLE WILL SEE IT CLEARLY. WE MAINTAIN THAT THIS IS HIGHLY
UNDESIRABLE FROM THE HERITAGE POINT OF VIEW.
Appendix 20
AGRICULTURE
If one lives in this area, one is very aware of the heritage of farming continuously since the
Iron Age. Field patterns have remained since the Enclosure Act and remnants of
medieval landscape can be seen in the ridge and furrow grasslands. The grasslands, in
many cases, have never been ploughed, are a feature of this area and may also hide many
archaeological treasures.
Appendix 19.
GRANTHAM CANAL – parts in Hickling and Kinoulton are Grade 2 Listed
This canal which goes through Hickling, a short distance from the church, is part of the
unique character of the area. The canal was born in the days of cart tracks when a few
miles by horse and cart was hardwork. The 33 miles of waterway was completed in 1797,
and today the twisty, deeply rural route follows the contours of the Vale of Belvoir, giving
wonderful escarpment views as well as more intimate foliage sections. The turbine will
definitely impact on the canal and will destroy the unique character enjoyed by numerous
people every day walking, cycling or just having a leisurely stroll, birdwatching,
appreciating wild flowers etc.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS IN REPLY TO THE HERITAGE
REPORT OF THE WIND TURBINE, A606 Upper Broughton,
Ref: 14/00497/FUL.
WE STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THE FINAL STATEMENT OUTCOME OF THE
APPLICATION.
“The analysis has established that whilst there are important heritage assets within visual range of
the turbine, the wind turbine will not have a major effect on the significance of any heritage
asset.”
THERE ARE MANY DISCREPANCIES IN THE REPORT WHICH APPEARS MIS-LEADING IN TONE
AND IN THE SELECTION/OMISSION OF INFORMATION.
1
6.5.2. Heritage Statement. We wonder who considers the impact on Dell Farm to be of low
magnitude? Which person, if they owned Dell Farm, would believe this statement if one lived
approximately SIX HUNDRED METRES down-wind from a 220 ft wind turbine with a 54m rotating
blade. Who would GUARANTEE that the residents would not be affected by noise, especially at
night? Plus the now-known silent low emission noise which can have a factor on ill-health. From a
heritage point of view the whole character of Dell Farm will change.
Quote from 6.5.2. “The cumulative impact from the proposed wind turbine AND THE FUTURE
TURBINE APPLICATIONS on the heritage significance of Dell Farmhouse WILL BE MARGINAL, since
the majority of the impact upon the heritage significance of Dell Farmhouse will originate from the
wind turbine at Upper Broughton assessed within this report.”
DOES THIS MEAN, SINCE THE TURBINE OF THIS APPLICATION, WILL HAVE ALREADY RUINED THE
CHARACTER OF THIS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY, THAT THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER TO RUIN? DOES
THIS ALSO MEAN THAT ONCE ONE 220 FT INDUSTRIAL TURBINE IS ERECTED, THE APPLICANT WILL BE
APPLYING FOR OTHERS AT THIS SITE?
AS KENNETH CLARKE SAID IN HIS RECENT SPEECH IN UPPER BROUGHTON, “……IF YOU LET ONE,
THEY DO BREED A BIT. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN DOWN ANY MORE BECAUSE THERE IS A
PRECEDENT. THERE ARE A LOT OF APPLICATIONS WHO WILL COME FLOODING ALONG IF YOU ARE
NOT CAREFUL. IF YOU GRANT THIS ONE, IT IS A SIGN IN THE VALE OF BELVOIR THAT IT IS OPEN
SEASON IN THE VALE OF BELVOIR.”
This application should be refused on the visual impact of the wind turbine on the Grade 2 listed
Dell farm, and the environment, causing unnecessary suffering because of noise, constant
movement of the huge blades and dominating presence of the machine.
2
There is evidence showing that this turbine will VISUALLY IMPACT on 3 GRADE 1 CHURCHES
OF UPPER BROUGHTON, HICKLING, WILLOUGHBY and a Grade 2* church at Nether Broughton. It
should be remembered that the application for turbines on the ex Asfordby coalmine site only 400m
from a Grade 1 church was refused by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State, as the turbines would spoil
the visual impact of the church.
Therefore, this application should be refused as it has not been demonstrated that the turbine
would not have a detrimental impact on the setting of 4 listed churches.
3
Justifying the turbine as it could be hidden by trees is futile. Trees in winter lose their
leaves for the most part, trees die, get cut down, and blown down on a regular basis in the
countryside. In fact, the full foliage of trees is only really from end May to September. The Ash
tree is plentiful in this area which is the last one to have leaves, and one of the first to lose them.
The photos used to back up claims that the turbine will not be seen are of such a poor quality, that
one wonders sometimes if the photographer actually got out of the car. The places photographed
could have been, for the most part, anywhere. Certainly we do not recognise most of the places.
4
The site of the proposed turbine falls in between 2 beautiful conservation villages, well
looked after by the residents.
The application should be refused as the turbine would have an overpowering impact on, and
have a detrimental impact on, the conservation villages of Upper Broughton and Hickling. The
scale and height of the proposal is not sympathetic to the character and appearance of the
villages.
5.
This application should be refused on the basis of insufficient information, or inaccurate
information being submitted to enable the planners to make a fully considered, adequately
assessed and well-balanced decision on the impact on the conservation areas of Upper Broughton,
Hickling and wider heritage assets.
6.
The applicant wrote the following: “In view of the undeveloped agricultural nature of the
site, the site is considered to have no potential for the presence of significant historic
archaeological remains.
Peter Liddle, Archaeologist, said in his talk in Upper Broughton in March 2014 that this area has
not been fully excavated and researched because county boundary sites are often neglected. For
example a farmer in Hickling Pastures recently allowed a metal detector enthusiast to scan one of
her fields. He discovered, to her surprise, a variety of interesting coins going back to Tudor times.
Who, for example, would have believed that Richard III would turn up under a car park in
Leicester?
7.
In reply to the general low opinion of this area as outlined in the Heritage report, we
would like to quote the father of the present Duke of Rutland, who loved the Vale of Belvoir to
the extent of leading the campaign against the Coal Board against open-caste mining. “It is an
area of outstanding natural beauty, and is of great historical interest”.
IT IS BELIEVED THESE ARE FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL AND IT IS CONSIDERED
THAT THESE CANNOT BE OVERCOME BY THE APPLICANT.
IT IS IRONIC THAT WE SHOULD BE PLEADING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE CHARACTER OF
ANCIENT CHURCHES ACTUALLY OWNED BY AND UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE APPLICANT …
8. It is of concern that the author of the Heritage section of the Application ASSUMES that when
the turbine of this application is passed, then others will automatically follow. There is, on the
original plan for the turbines shown to us at the Open Meeting last October 1, space for 2 turbines,
and we were told then the applicant would apply for 1 or 2. However, at the meeting, when
pressed for an answer, the Land Agent admitted there would be no more than 5!
OLD PROPERTY, NOT LISTED.
The emphasis of a Heritage report is about graded property, but as I tried to explain when listing
the grade property in various villages, an important part of the vernacular is old property which is
not graded, often restored to a very high standard.
I would like to make a plea for Hickling Pastures, the start of which on the A606 is less than 1km
from the proposed turbine. The area is very interesting solely as it has developed because of the
main road Melton Mowbray to Nottingham, so one gets Turnpike Farm, and other such names
reflecting the past. 3 other properties deserve mention, Folly Hall, High Holborn and Sycamore
Lodge. These 3 properties over the last few years have been restored from virtual ruins, but they
all have a historical past. Sycamore Lodge was a hunting lodge reflecting the love of hunting in
the last century, and in particular in the 1920s and 30s. High Holborn , a farm until recent years,
going back to the 1800s, was in such a bad state that it had to be pulled down and rebuilt similar
to the original building. Sycamore Lodge, also built in the 1800s, was also a derelict farm until
nearly 30 years ago, has been added to over the last 150 years. The turbine will visually impact
on these 3 houses in exactly the same way as it will for Dell Farm destroying the character of these
houses and this area for the next 25 years.
Sycamore Lodge, original cottage about 1800, in typical Nottinghamshire style. 700m from the proposed
turbine, all south facing windows will look out on to it. See Appendix 14.
High Holborn, Hickling Pastures, a derelict farm rebuilt in the style of the original house.