November 3, 2011
England

MP slams wind farm plan as a ‘blight on landscape’

Market Rasen Mail, www.marketrasenmail.co.uk 3 November 2011

Plans to build wind turbines in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would be “a blight on the landscape”, according to Market Rasen MP Edward Leigh.

Northwold Farm – a major potato grower – wants to build two 34-metre wind turbines on its land between Rothwell and Thoresway villages.

A supporting statement in Northwold Farm’s planning application submitted to West Lindsey District Council says supermarkets are keen to show a reducing carbon footprint from food production and are putting pressure on suppliers to adopt renewable energy techniques.

But Market Rasen MP Edward Leigh strongly objects to the proposal which he says would be a “blight on the landscape” and “inappropriate” in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

And Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service manager Stephen Jack agrees. He said the area is an internationally recognised area of nature conservation and its natural beauty should be protected and enhanced.

He said: “We’re not saying no to wind energy, it’s the site, scale and location of this proposal that we have a problem with.

“We’re supportive of businesses who want to use renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint but not in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“They would be prominent and visible from a large radius, including a public footpath and roadways.”

Applicant John Davey said his business has seen massive increases in its electricity bills and he believes wind turbines are the best alternative.

A decision will be made on the application after members of West Lindsey District council’s development management committee have visited the site.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/03/mp-slams-wind-farm-plan-as-a-blight-on-landscape/