February 23, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Residents fighting plans for wind farms in the East Riding hope a decision to approve plans for Lissett will help their individual campaigns.
By approving the 12-turbine scheme at a disused airfield, councillors have helped the East Riding almost meet its Government target for non-fossil fuel power generation for 2010.
Campaigners hope it will mean less pressure on councillors to give other wind farms the green light.
James Stephenson, of campaign group Sixpenny Wood Not, against the Sixpenny Wood wind farm between Gilberdyke and Howden, said: “Approval for the Lissett scheme means the East Riding has almost met the wind power target set by the Government.
“Although I don’t think it will stop more applications coming in, we are hoping the council will shut the door on any further schemes.”
Chris Morris, of Orchard Lane, Hutton Cranswick, opposing plans to build a 10-turbine site at nearby Rotsea, said: “It has been suggested the Lissett decision could take pressure off other schemes, but we will keep up the fight.”
Councillor Stewart Willie, from Burton Pidsea, said: “My concern is that we don’t become a dumping ground.
“I will be resisting Holderness having any more than its fair share.
“The approval of the plans at Lissett does ease the pressure a bit, but in order for the East Riding to protect itself against planing appeals it may need a few more.”
Councillors discussed the proposals for Lissett for two hours before coming to a decision at yesterday’s planning meeting.
They had previously deferred the decision, requesting more information on the impact on tourism.
Despite a report compiled by Alan Menzies, assistant chief Executive for economic development at East Riding Council, saying it was not clear whether the impact would be positive or negative, councillors voted in favour of the plan.
Speaking in favour of the application, Councillor Tony McCobb said: “Wind power is the most favoured form of renewable energy for the public, and the cheapest.
“There is evidence to show during the construction phase people are hostile, but by the end of it, people are actually proud of the turbines.
“I don’t think there will be a negative impact on tourism.I’ve stood under a wind turbine and they are not that noisy.”
Councillor Neville Holgate said: “We are here to save the world. I’m supporting the application as a clean means of generating power.”
Richard Claxton, of East Yorkshire Campaign Against Climate Change, said: “It’s an excellent day for clean energy and climate change.”
j.hunter@hdmp.co.uk
Link
Novera Energy
www.noveraenergy.co.uk
23 February 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/02/23/wind-has-blown-in-our-favour-now/