January 20, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Plans to build onshore wind turbines are causing controversy again.
Concerns have been raised over a new proposal for six 127-metre high turbines at Langham, between Anderby Creek and Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire.As reported, approval has already been granted for the firm Ecotricity to build a 20-turbine wind farm off Fen Lane, Conisholme, near Louth.
Now, Npower Renewables has applied to establish another site, claiming it would produce enough renewable electricity for the average annual needs of 5,500 to 7,900 homes.
But the project has been hotly opposed by pressure group Lincolnshire Opposed To Onshore Turbines (Loot).
Group secretary Gill Watson described it as “yet another attempt by a cynical industry to ride roughshod over local people”.
She said: “If approved, the scheme will destroy the tranquillity and openness of this beautiful location just so a landowner and an operator can get rich on taxpayers’ subsidy for a discredited way of producing power.”
Also opposed is Lincolnshire County Councillor for Langham, Colin Davie, chairman of the council’s Environmental Sustainability Policy Development Group and a board member of the Renewable Energy Foundation.
He said: “I am a strong supporter of renewable energy in principal, however, this location will severely impact upon the coastal conservation area and the proposed coastal country park.
“While we must take action on global climate change, we must do so using the best technology available in the best locations.
“This application does neither.”
But Npower Renewables developer Kim Gauld-Clark claimed initial community consultations about the project had met a positive response.
She said: “To keep local residents fully informed, we have produced a newsletter which is being delivered to homes.
“It will provide detail on the planning application and the role the project could play in addressing the very serious issue of climate change.”
The application is currently being considered by planning officers at East Lindsey District Council.
By Katie Norman and Jim Wright
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/20/concerns-raised-over-new-wind-farm-plan/