April 9, 2013
England

Lincolnshire villagers devastated after government overturns decision not to build wind farm

April 09, 2013 | www.thisislincolnshire.co.ukApril 09, 2013 | www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

An action group against the installation of wind turbines near Louth has been left ‘absolutely devastated’ after a Government decision to overturn the council’s rejection.

East Lindsey District Council turned down an application for eight 115m wind turbines and a substation at Carlton Grange, Thacker Bank – known as the Gayton Wind Farm – last June.

However, applicant Energiekontor UK referred the refusal to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, which overturned ELDC’s decision on Friday.

EnergieKontor project manager Richard Hinds said: “The project management team are naturally delighted with the outcome of the Planning Appeal.

“Permission has been granted following rigorous scrutiny of the site’s appropriateness for such a development which has taken a number of years in the planning system to reach this milestone.

“We have always considered the site at Gayton le Marsh to be a sensible location for a wind farm, the pragmatic approach taken by the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed this suitability.”

The only option now for opposition to the wind farm would be to take the case to judicial review – an option that ELDC, which has vehemently opposed the development, has not ruled out.

Portfolio-holder for economic development Craig Leyland said: “We are disappointed with the outcome and stand by our original decision.

“ELDC is taking legal advice on the options and we are lobbying for change in the planning process to localise these decisions so we can defend our own landscape.”

Locals formed the No Wind Farm At Gayton (Nowag) group after the company held opinion screening sessions in 2010 – and have invested £20,000 from their own pockets in their fight against the proposal.

Chairman Tom Heys and his family has lived at Low Farm for more than a century, but the view his grandfather enjoyed will be ruined by the turbines, he says.

He said: “People have called me a nimby and all sorts of names, but I want to protect this beautiful view across the Lincolnshire Wolds for future generations.

“We were absolutely devastated to hear the decision. We put up a good fight and now it is as though it was all for nothing.”

Chairman of Saltfleetby Parish Council, Cheryl Warwick, said: “I was disappointed, then angry, but my greatest worry is that this will now open the floodgates for other developments.”

Anyone wishing to support the group is urged to contact Tom on 01507 338667 or email him at tomheys@btinternet.com.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/09/lincolnshire-villagers-devastated-after-government-overturns-decision-not-to-build-wind-farm/