June 9, 2011
England

Plans withdrawn for 90-metre wind turbines in Lincolnshire village

Lincolnshire Echo, www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/ 9 June 2011

Controversial plans for three 90m wind turbines in a Lincolnshire village have been withdrawn.

The wind farm had been proposed by Noble Foods at its site at Lodge Farm, in Beckingham, near Sleaford.

But North Kesteven District Council announced plans have been withdrawn less than two weeks before a decision was due to be made.

Had the turbines been approved, the energy generated would have been used to power its free-range egg production farm, which houses 50,000 hens. But residents living near the site protested over fears their village would be towered-over by intrusive turbines.

The three turbines would have been created in partnership with Wind Direct Ltd.

However, the scheme may not have been scrapped completely. David Jeffery, development manager at Wind Direct, said the application had been withdrawn to allow more time to address residents’ concerns.

He said: “It is our view that the issues raised in combination with the strict deadlines required to take the proposal to planning committee next Tuesday have disallowed us to respond to those issues in the complete manner which the project deserves and which the local residents are entitled to expect.

“It is our intention to take the opportunity afforded by withdrawal to consider necessary revisions to the scheme and its supporting documents and a comprehensive and inclusive manner.

“We continue to believe that Lodge Farm is a suitable place for a wind-energy scheme.”

James Finch, one of the residents of Beckingham opposed to the application, said: “We’re all delighted that the application has been withdrawn.

“We’re keeping an eye out because there’s a chance these plans could always come back, but it’s a victory so far.”

North Kesteven District Council’s corporate director Karen Bradford said: “The district council received confirmation from Wind Direct Ltd on Friday, June 3, that they wished to withdraw the application.

“As such, no further action will be taken on the application.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/09/plans-withdrawn-for-90-metre-wind-turbines-in-lincolnshire-village/