September 24, 2011
England

Orby wind farm refusal appealed

Skegness Standard, www.skegnessstandard.co.uk 23 September 2011

A landowner whose controversial wind farm proposals have been knocked back on numerous occasions is appealing his latest application’s refusal, claiming it was illegitimate.

Mark Caudwell has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after his application to build nine wind turbines at Marsh Lane, Orby, was refused by East Lindsey District Council in March.

This application had been scaled down in response to objections from the Ministry of Defence which feared it could interfere with radar at RAF Coningsby.

Although the smaller proposal provoked no further MOD objection, ELDC refused it on the grounds that cumulatively, along with other wind farms, it would have a ‘significant harmful effect on the locally distinctive character and appearance of the local area and on the wider landscape.’

Mr Caudwell claims that this refusal contradicts recommendations previously made by planning officers.

He said: “They have a right to object on those grounds but the argument is blown away by their landscaping expert who previously took that into account but still recommended it.”

He feels that nothing has changed significantly since the time of that officer’s recommendation and believes ELDC will be unable to justify its refusal.

By citing other wind farm applications that have not yet been granted as part of the cumulative effect, he also feels that ELDC has founded its decision on illegitimate grounds.

Opponents to the proposals have expressed their annoyance at Mr Caudwell’s repeated attempts to proceed with the wind farm despite its previous refusals.

Coun Colin Davie said: “The applicant, after 11 years of trying to impose his will on the community has decided to have yet another attempt at grinding down the residents who strongly oppose this scheme.

“He is cynically and for personal benefit attempting to manipulate the planning system for financial gain.

“I expect the district council to fully fight this appeal and finally defeat it.”

However Mr Caudwell claims his site is ‘one of the best in the country’ and believes wind power is ‘by far the most advanced and cheapest option to combat the important issue of global warming.’

The appeal, which was received by the Planning Inspectorate on Friday has yet to be validated for consideration.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/24/orby-wind-farm-refusal-appealed/