July 30, 2008
England
England
Six homeowners living near the site of a proposed wind farm in the Vale of Belvoir are demanding council tax discounts because they say the plans have caused their house prices to fall.
The move comes after Julian and Jane Davis, who were forced from their Deeping St Nicholas home after turbines were built 930m away, successfully appealed to have their council tax banding lowered to a Band A.
A valuation tribunal ruled last week that the construction of the wind farm close to the Davis’ home had a “significant detrimental effect” on their enjoyment of their home and would have “some effect on the potential sale price”.
The ruling has encouraged the group, who all live within 1km of the planned Thackson’s Well wind farm near Bottesford and Long Bennington, to follow the Davis’ example.
Jamie Mawer, of Endcliffe Farm, Allington, said: “This is yet another hidden cost a wind farm situated too close to homes creates. The Davis’ test case now cannot be ignored by developers and councils alike and could result in millions in lost revenue for the council purse.”
The owners of Debdale Barn in Muston, Glebe Farm and the Old Rectory in Allington and Ashes Farm and The Bungalow in Long Bennington will join Mr Mawer in demanding a revaluation of their council tax bandings.
Plans to build 10 turbines at Thackson’s Well were turned down in March.
Developer Infinergy has lodged an appeal, which will be heard in Grantham over eight days, starting on September 30.
By Jo Hall
30 July 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/07/30/council-tax-cuts-demanded-by-wind-farm-site-neighbours/