July 26, 2011
England

Relief for villagers as energy firm confirms it won’t appeal windfarm decision

Melton Times, www.meltontimes.co.uk 26 July 2011

Campaigners who have spent years fighting plans to build a windfarm near their homes are breathing a sigh of relief after the energy firm behind the proposals announced it won’t be appealing a council decision to refuse planning permission.

ScottishPower Renewables had wanted to install four 410-feet high turbines in Queniborough, on land between South Croxton Road and Ridgemere Lane.

It first unveiled its proposals to local residents in 2008, with many voicing their strong objections including the detrimental impact on the village and that it was the wrong location for such a development.

Residents united against the windfarm proposals went on to form an action group called Sprout (ScottishPower Renewables Out) which planned out a structured long-term campaign against the windfarm scheme.

The proposals were thrown out by Charnwood Council’s planning committee in February this year but cautious residents feared ScottishPower Renewables would appeal.

But this week the energy firm confirmed in a statement that it won’t be appealing.

A ScottishPower Renewables spokesman said: “Following extensive discussions with our planning specialists and legal team, ScottishPower Renewables has decided against submitting an appeal for Queniborough Windfarm.

“While we feel the Queniborough development could make a considerable contribution to the region’s limited renewable credentials, we have to consider how our resources can be best utilised to assist the UK in reaching its renewable energy targets.”

Mike Jones, chairman of the Sprout action group, said: “I’m really pleased they’ve come to this decision. I think it’s the right decision because we’ve always maintained that this is the wrong place for these turbines.

“Although we’re very pleased it’s not like a victory because we’ve had people living near the proposed site who have been worried to death about this. It should never have gone ahead in the first place.”

He added: “I’d like to thank all of the Sprout committee members and everyone in the village who pulled hard to help us in this campaign venture. For the time being we can all breathe a sigh of relief.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/26/relief-for-villagers-as-energy-firm-confirms-it-wont-appeal-windfarm-decision/