May 18, 2011
England

Offshore windfarm plan powers ahead despite protests

Lincolnshire Echo, www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk 18 May 2011

Consultation on plans for one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms is due to start next month.

RWE npower renewables is developing a proposal for the 1200 megawatt Triton Knoll wind farm, approximately 20 miles off the Mablethorpe coast.

Proposals for the wind farm’s connection to the electricity network are still unknown. RWE had undergone consultation on proposed sites for a 40-acre substation in East Lindsey, but these were put on hold after the National Grid announced a review of options for the onshore connection.

As a result, RWE have decided to treat the wind farm and substation separately and will move forward with a planning application and consultation on the offshore elements next month.

Project manager Jacob Hain said: “As a responsible developer, we feel it is the right decision to separate the Triton Knoll project into two packages to ensure all possible options for the electrical system are thoroughly investigated.

“We therefore intend to submit an application for consent to develop only the offshore wind farm while further work is being carried out on the electrical system.”

Substation campaigner and newly elected district councillor for Willoughby and Sloothby Angie Smith said: “RWE need to prove they have heard the voice of local people and confirm they will withdraw their inappropriate proposal for one of the UK’s biggest substations and subsequent pylon line dissecting our beautiful countryside and villages.

“The message from my residents is for RWE to leave this part of East Lindsey alone.

“I do not see RWE as a responsible developer following last year’s ‘consultation’ process where misleading and meager information was provided to local residents. RWE refused to attend any meetings where local residents would be present, and only met with parish councils shortly before the extended deadline. That is not being responsible, or consulting properly.

“I understand and support the need for green energy, but with the threatened industrialisation of our entire coastal area with both offshore and onshore turbines I question RWE’s “green steamroller” approach to our local communities.”

Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council’s environmental scrutiny committee, Councillor Colin Davie, added: “I pledge to fight any proposal that negatively impacts on Lincolnshire, its cherished landscapes and those who live amongst them.

“The proposal to develop this giant offshore wind farm will prove to be a very costly mistake.

“This wind farm will be heavily subsidised by public money and I believe its development will further impair and damage the tourist coast and its prospects for increased visitor numbers.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/05/18/offshore-windfarm-plan-powers-ahead-despite-protests/