April 8, 2008
England

Environmentalists concerned by Novartis plan

Environmentalists have crticised Novartis’ plans to erect three wind turbines on its Grimsby site.

Rachel Shaw, from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We have objected to the planning application because we were not satisfied that there would be no adverse impacts on the important populations of birds using the Humber Estuary.

“Our concerns are that, due to the proximity of the proposed turbines to the estuary, there is potential for both collision impacts and the disturbance of roosting and feeding birds.”

Because of the wildlife concerns, reports to be considered by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Planning Committee tomorrow recommend refusal of the plans.

But Novartis’ head of engineering, Adrian Wallis, said: “Novartis believe that the North East Lincolnshire Council Planning Authority recommendation to refuse the planning request is based on an inadequate assessment by their officers.

“As such, Novartis will request that the NELC Planning Committee provisionally approve the application until an adequate assessment has been prepared by its officers and then brought back to the next Planning Committee.”