PPG15 asks that the ‘physical survivals of our past are to be valued and protected for their own sake, as a central part of our cultural heritage’. The site layout has 2-3 turbines intermingled with the remains of the Cold War Thor Missile site, which is stated by English Heritage to be of national heritage importance. Although perhaps of lesser importance, the WW2 airfield remains and monument to many brave American airmen (”the Carpetbaggers”) posted to Harrington to undertake missions which were, for many, ‘one-way tickets’, will be fatally compromised by the development. The insult to those survivors who still make frequent pilgrimages from the USA to the site and its associated monument is not one that our community should not even consider allowing.  English Heritage has stated that they will be advising refusal of planning permission due to the effect the development would have on a substantial number of heritage assets in the immediate area, including the Thor Missile site which has been determined to be of national significance. 

In addition, the setting of listed buildings in the area is too narrowly defined. There are a number of important listed buildings in the immediate and wider area whose views and setting would be completely dwarfed by the turbines (for example the churches at Draughton and Maidwell, Maidwell Hall, Lamport Hall, Kelmarsh hall).  In the nearest village, the proposed turbines would be visible from a listed farmhouse and its buildings (now also listed properties) whereas the functional relationship between a farmhouse and the surrounding agricultural landscape results in it having a more extensive setting.   The local church, a key part of the local rural community, is just over half a mile away; the turbines would be 10 times the height and be located at the top of the hill.  In a rural community such as this, the agricultural landscape effectively forms part of the setting of the church. 

The Harrington (& Thorpe Underwood) Village Design Statement (March 2006)  recommends that “The views both outwardly and within the villages should not be compromised as part of any new development to ensure that the rural heritage and character is preserved” and “the beauty of the villages and their landscape setting should be preserved”.