Vale windfarm appeal latest
Neighbours of a proposed windfarm site in the Vale of Belvoir gave evidence to a public inquiry into whether or not turbines can be built on the site.
The inquiry heard from 10 speakers — one in support of the proposal for a wind farm at Thackson’s Well, Bottesford, and the rest against.
Objectors’ main concerns are potential detrimental effects on health, the landscape and businesses in the area and noise from the turbines.
Those living and working closest to the site urged for the appeal to be dismissed, including Edward Hennessey, whose Normanton home of 40 years is fifth closest to the site, and the Ablewhite family, who run two farms with over 1,000 head of cattle and 400 to 500 sheep each within 1.5km of the site.
Political opposition was also represented, with Foston parish councillor Tracey Gardner and Long Bennington and South Kesteven district councillor Paul Wood speaking against the plans.
Mr Wood said the majority of people in his ward are opposed to the windfarm and questioned how developer Infinergy gathered evidence of support for their proposal.
He said the firm listed his daughter as a supporter after she was approached in the street in Grantham and asked if she supports wind energy.
Mr Wood asked for her name to be removed from the list as she did not realise her response would be taken as support for the Thackson’s Well development.
He said: “I would question how many people on that list are true supporters.”
Representatives from Leicestershire County Council also spoke against the development, which is planned close to the Lincolnshire/
Leicestershire border.
Long Bennington resident Geoffrey Spencer spoke about his struggle with Menieres disease, which affects the inner ear and can cause vertigo attacks, tinnitus and hearing loss.
Mr Spencer believes having a wind farm close to his home will make his condition worse.
He said: “I can sum my objection up in five words: Wind farms make me ill.
“Industrial turbines would produce some of the worst conditions for Menieres sufferers.”
Julian and Jane Davis, who were forced to move out of their home at Deeping St Nicholas after suffering adverse effects from a windfarm built 900m away, also gave evidence.
Making their sixth wind farm public inquiry appearance, they told how noise from the turbines had made it impossible to live in their home.
The only person to speak in support of the windfarm was Brian Widdowson, from Long Bennington.
He spoke about the need to secure energy supplies, the use of the countryside as a workplace and the turbines’ appearance.
The inquiry is expected to continue until the end of next week.
By Jo Hall
9 October 2008
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