May 16, 2012
England

Fulstow villagers voice fears over Thoresby Bridge wind farm plan

Grimsby Telegraph, www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk 16 May 2012

Plans to erect three wind turbines in rural East Lindsey came under fire at a public meeting.

About 40 people turned out at Fulstow Village Hall to voice their views on the controversial application submitted by Partnerships For Renewables to East Lindsey District Council.

The turbines are planned for the Thoresby Bridge area, but opponents say they are less than two miles from most of the homes in Fulstow.

As reported, the maximum height the wind turbines will stand to the tip of the blades is 113.5 metres and they would have the capacity to create 16.4 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity every year and displace up to 7,060 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

However, despite these figures, many villagers were still against them, warning the turbines will be bigger than Louth’s St James’ Church spire, which dominates the skyline.

At the meeting, people had the chance to put questions to the regional manager of Partnerships For Renewables, Jo Fleming, and Chris Panton, head of development control at East Lindsey District Council.

Fred Butt, chairman of Fulstow Parish Council, Ian Steel, clerk to the parish council, and Doreen Stephenson, ward councillor and leader of East Lindsey District Council, were also on hand to hear views on the turbines.

Stephen Bates, of Windy Ridge, Tetney, said if plans go ahead, the turbine will only be half a mile from his home, which he does not want.

“We work all our lives to live in a nice rural area only for it to be taken away by something like this,” he said.

“I have had my home valuated and enquired if prices would change with a wind turbine built nearby.

“The answer was yes and we would only lose out.

“Also, my wife and I run a caravan site on our land and it has been proven that wind turbines interfere with the TV signal.

“This could easily affect our business and deter people from coming.

“I am not against wind turbines as renewable energy, what I am against is the fact our personal lives are not being taken into consideration.”

Nigel Draper, of Lock Road, North Cotes, feels his views at the meeting fell on deaf ears.

He said: “I am totally against wind turbines as I think they are an inefficient form of generating electricity.

“I will be opposing these plans for as long as I can.”

There are already plans for another 13 turbines at Tetney, five at Grimoldby and others in the south of the county.

Mr Fleming, pictured, was grateful to have the opportunity to address the parish council and residents.

He said: “I, of course, understand that there are a wide range of views and some concerns with regards to our proposals.

“However, after exhaustive assessment of the suitability of the Louth Canal site over more than two years, Partnerships For Renewables believes that it is an appropriate site for the three-turbine wind energy development we propose – as did many visitors to our recent consultation events.

“We look forward to continuing discussions with the local community and other stakeholders as the council considers its view on our planning application.”

Another public consultation regar- ding the three wind turbines took place last night in North Thoresby.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/16/fulstow-villagers-voice-fears-over-thoresby-bridge-wind-farm-plan/