Rural community springs into action to fight wind farm plans
Campaigners have sprung into action to fight plans to build two wind farms close to their rural community near Grantham.
Public meetings have been called for people living in Billingborough, Pointon, Sempringham and other nearby villages by campaign group AGAST.
The group was set up in 2007 to fight plans for the Neslam Farm wind farm — six turbines proposed by ScottishPower Renewables at Sempringham Fen.
They are also preparing to fight EON’s plans to build up to 17 turbines on Crown Estate land near Billingborough.
The meetings, planned for Wednesday and Friday, were called after ScottishPower Renewables submitted their planning application to South Kesteven District Council.
It seeks approval for six turbines, each measuring 410ft, access tracks, a permanent meteorological mast, underground cabling and control building.
Developer EON is moving forward with its plans too, submitting a plan as to how it will carry out assessments at its site to SKDC last week.
AGAST spokeswoman Aly Wicks said: “These are the largest developments the people of this area are ever likely to face.
“The public meetings have been called to help and advise people about the effects these turbines will have on the area and we will address many issues, including noise, visual intrusion and the impact on wildlife.
“We will also fly our blimp at the weekends to make people aware of the scale and the area of visual impact.”
The public meetings will be held at Billingborough Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday and Friday.
The deadline for comments on the Neslam Farm planning application to be sent to SKDC is Friday, March 13.
To see the application documents visit SKDC’s offices in St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, or click here.
By Jo Hall
17 February 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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