July 28, 2012
England

Wind farm bid whips up storm

Sleaford Standard | www.sleafordstandard.co.uk 28 July 2012

A campaign group has been set up in opposition to a proposal to build a wind farm for five 126.5m-high turbines in countryside near their homes.

German-owned RWE npower renewables is looking to site the turbines at Temple Hill, near Brandon and Stubton, just west of Caythorpe.

A group of local residents have formed reVOLT –Rural Economies and Voters Oppose Loveden Turbines – to coordinate action against the scheme and set up their own website to inform local residents about the project and some of the issues relating to windfarms, as well as to encourage others to get involved.

RWE npower renewables is currently conducting an Environmental Assessment ahead of a planning application for the development.

The scoping application on the impact on the community is currently with South Kesteven District Council, and a meeting took place at Stubton Village Hall between local parish councillors and representatives of RWE npower renewables.

reVOLT campaigners claim the turbines would be huge structures, each of them 50 per cent taller than Lincoln Cathedral, and a third wider than a jumbo jet.

They would be visible for more than 20 miles in some directions.

But RWE told the meeting the wind farm could boost local employment, although this would mainly be short-term support contracts during the six-month construction phase, apart from two engineering jobs.

Residents had concerms the wind farm could risk existing jobs in the local leisure and tourism industries.

Sarah Lee, for RWE npower renewables, said as responsible developers, they were keen to consult with the local community at this very early stage in the project.

“Local planning authorities are urged by government to maximise the generation of renewable energy, whilet ensuring an appropriate level of protection for residential occupiers,” she said.

“We want to work with South Kesteven and local councils to get this balance right, as onshore wind plays an integral part of the UK’s energy mix.”

She said as an industry, wind energy was creating tens of thousands of long-term jobs across the supply chain, adding that, according to surveys, the effect on tourism was negligible.

The area could also stand to gain community investment funding if plans go ahead and are approved.

More information on the plans can be found at: www.npower-renewables.com/templehill.

They will be consulting with the community further, and any suggestions can be sent to the team by e-mail at: templehill@rwe.com.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/28/wind-farm-bid-whips-up-storm/