January 18, 2013
England

Victory for village wind turbine action group

Market Rasen Mail | 18 January 2013 | www.marketrasenmail.co.uk

Campaigners have won their fight to stop a pig farmer putting up two wind turbines in their village.

West Lindsey District Council’s planning committee has refused an application for two 35m wind turbines at Heath Farm in Normanby by Spital – even though officers had recommended it for approval.

Campaigner Richard Armstrong is pleased with the outcome but said: “We can’t drink all the Champagne though, as an appeal may go in and we don’t know what plans the wards have now.

“However, a win is a win and it should be celebrated.

“As a group, we have all contributed and supported each other.”

Planners turned down the application because it would have a “detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the open area”.

A statement said: “The scale, design and materials of the turbines are totally out of character with the area.”

Other reasons for refusal included how the development would affect views of Lincoln Cathedral, detract from the area’s rural character and impact on the character, appearance and setting of historic assets including Listed Buildings.

About 150 residents signed a petition against the wind turbines and MP Edward Leigh even spoke out about his objections.

During a planning committee site visit in December, campaigners flew helium baloons at 35m to demonstrate the sort of impact any wind turbines would have on the surrounding area.

Residents were also concerned the turbines would have a detrimental impact on children with autism who do horse riding in a near by field.

And speaking at the planning meeting, Richard Armstrong highlighted issues about road safety and the potential for accidents.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/18/victory-for-village-wind-turbine-action-group/