March 2, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Plans for the controversial windfarm at the disused RAF Lissett airfield have been given the green light and the £25 million project is expected to start work this autumn.
Twelve wind turbines are to be erected by Novera Energy Ltd on the 195 hectare site starting in around October and are expected to remain in place for the next 25 years.
But residents are still up in arms about the potential threat to their quality of life which the 125 metre (410 feet) tall turbines could pose.
John Ost, 62, lives with his wife and elderly parents at Gransmoor Lodge Gates in Gransmoor, next to the site which is located 1.5km from Lissett.
He is dismayed with the final decision, which he said was not properly investigated, and very worried about the effect which the turbines could have on his family’s health.
“We are very concerned not just for ourselves but for our neighbours and others close to the long perimeter of the site and the impact of the noise levels created by wind turbines.
“Exact details of those turbines have yet to be released and yet the East Riding have still approved the scheme. An independent expert study on noise would have been welcome before a final decision was made,” he explained.
“Even low level background noise would take away the peace we now enjoy, including a good nights sleep. Who has the right to take this away from us?”
But a report to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning committee which made the final decision at a meeting on Thursday February 22 supported the proposed wind farm and said there were no reasons not to go ahead with it.
It stated: “It would not result in significant harm to the character of the landscape, open countryside, residential and visual amenities, wildlife and communications.
“There are no technical reasons not to grant consent.
“The proposal complies with policy and is therefore recommended for approval.”
Mr Ost said he also objected to the potential harm the windfarm could cause the area’s essential tourism trade.
He said: “Holiday makers and tourism are the life blood in this part of the East Riding. We surely cannot be cavalier in our approach to it.
“Visitors seeking peace and tranquil holidays in our local countryside may now think twice before coming. I have not noticed any tourist boards using wind farms to promote their areas. We should be encouraging tourism because of its economic benefits to the East Riding, not putting obstacles in the way.”
Project manager for Novera Energy, David Taylor, explained that millions of pounds would enter the local economy as the company contracts out construction work to local building firms.
He said £5 million of the project money was earmarked to employ local contractors and over £1 million would be put in a trust fund dedicated to sustainability in the area.
He said: “We are going to spend five to six million pounds upgrading tracks, installing cables and buildings and all the other things local contractors can do.
“The trust fund will be a charitable organisation and its objective is sustainability and environmental improvement.
2 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/02/objections-may-delay-start-date/