May 10, 2012
England

Ditching turbine has not blown away fears

Scunthorpe Telegraph, www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk 10 May 2012

Campaigners say they remain concerned about plans for a wind farm – despite the developer agreeing to scale back the scheme.

The Waste Recycling Group (WRG) has modified plans for a proposed development at its Iron Stone Quarry landfill site near Winterton by reducing the number of wind turbines from four to three. The turbine that was to be sited at the top of the ridge, closest to Winterton, has been ditched.

Now the amended plans will be submitted to North Lincolnshire Council.

But fears remain about a scheme that has proved controversial with locals worried about the impact of it on their area.

Dr John Robinson, chairman of Winterton Against Inappropriate Turbines (WAIT), said: “The proposal to reduce the number of turbines does not change the fact that this site is an inappropriate location for industrial wind turbines.

“WAIT will continue to play an active role in the consultation period which will follow the resubmitted application.”

The developer says its plan to build near the landfill site has been through detailed engineering and environmental studies.

But Joan West, a resident from nearby West Halton, said she was still against the scheme. She said: “Various things have been said about visual impact, but what about building near the tip itself? I believe there could be a big effect that could impact the whole community.”

Plans for four 127 metre-high turbines were first submitted to North Lincolnshire Council in April 2011.

Residents set up WAIT to campaign against the proposed development.

Last month, campaigners met with MP Andrew Percy to express their concerns about the scheme.

After hearing about WRG’s decision to scale back, Mr Percy said: “I do welcome one less turbine, but as far as the residents are concerned, it is still three too many.”

Chris Ratcliffe, senior estates manager at WRG, said: “We are committed to maintaining an open and detailed dialogue with the local community around the site as the planning process moves forward.

“We have taken the decision to condense our proposed project in consultation with planning officials at North Lincolnshire Council.

“It is a move which also reflects the results of feedback received during our public consultation carried out in autumn 2010 and spring 2011.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/10/ditching-turbine-has-not-blown-away-fears/