November 11, 2012
England

Concerns about Normanby turbines

Market Rasen Mail | 11 November 2012 | www.marketrasenmail.co.uk

A pig farm has been forced to downsize its plans for a wind farm after furious villagers said it would ruin their views and devalue many homes.

Ermine Farms Ltd, which owns Heath Farm in Normanby by Spital, had wanted to put up three 35m turbines on its land in the village.

But many residents objected and now the farm owners have changed their application to just two turbines.

But villagers still do not want the turbines and insist they will be objecting to the revised application.

Among the residents still determined to fight the application are Gary and Aderyn Walker.

Gary said West Lindsey District Council had forced him to lower the roof-line on his Field Lane home when he built it 15 years agobecause it would have spoiled the view from the countryside.

Richard Armstrong – one of the campaigners leading the fight – said the value of his home would plummet by about £80,000 if the development goes ahead.

Richard, who lives in a Grade II listed property in Front Street, is annoyed WLDC planners do not consider the impact on property value or views from domestic properties when determining applications.

A supporting statement in Ermine Farms Ltd’s planning application said: “Pig farming in the UK has come under increased pressure from rising feed costs and retailers are seeking to ensure high environmental performance of their suppliers and are keen to see onsite energy generation.

“The applicant is looking to improve the sustainability and long term financial viability of the business by generating electricity onsite broadly equal to the power consumed by the farm.”

It went on to say: “The proposal would not represent a prominent or visually intrusive feature in the surrounding rural landscape.”

Residents have until 5pm on Friday, November 16 to contact WLDC to comment on the application.

The action group will meet on Thursday, November 8, at the Bottle and Glass pub, Normanby by Spital at 7.30pm.

Everyone is welcome.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/11/concerns-about-normanby-turbines/