August 28, 2011
England

Energy firm accused of subterfuge tactics

Skegness Standard, www.skegnessstandard.co.uk 27 August 2011

An opposition group has accused an energy firm of using subterfug e and underhanded methods in its attempts to progress with a proposed wind farm.

Wainfleet Wind Turbine Action Group (WWTAG) made the accusation after RWE npower renewables’ planning application for three 147 metre turbines near Wainfleet was suspended.

Before it can progress It has been asked by East Lindsey District Council to provide more information on how it will mitigate against the possible negative impact the wind farm could have on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

WWTAG has said that in not providing this information to begin with and by failing to meet other conditions imposed on certain aspects of the wind farm, it has shown a ‘flagrant disregard for the community, the environment and the planning authority.’

WWTAG chairman Melvin Grosvenor said: “We are so disgusted with RWE that we have written to the chief executive in Germany. They have tried to use subterfuge and underhanded methods, and now they have been found out they should with draw their application.”

ELDC suspended the planning application after several consultees expressed concerns at the lack of detail RWE had included on matters which could potentially be detrimental to the surrounding area.

Lincolnshire County Council’s highways team felt that the minor country roads, required to transport construction materials to the site, were ‘unsuitable for any increase in vehicular movements and especially HGV movements.’

Mr Grosvenor agrees with the suspension of the application but fears that it could be months or even years before a final decision can now be made.

He also felt that RWE had displayed other behaviour in regard to planning matters that, like these omissions, showed an arrogance and disregard to the planning process.

Despite it begin a condition of its plans to build an 80 metre wind monitoring mast at the site, that it would install bird deflectors, RWE ignored that requirement. When it was subsequently asked to carry out what it should have done already, it then installed a type of deflector that WWTAG believe to be unsuitable in preventing dangers to flying birds.

Charlotte Healey, RWE Developer said: “As a responsible developer, RWE npower renewables always looks to work closely with local authorities and we are currently reviewing the request by ELDC to undertake further assessments. We believe that the site is a great location for a wind farm and will carry out the additional assessments if required.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/28/energy-firm-accused-of-subterfuge-tactics/