May 24, 2013
England

Relief as Dyke wind turbine plan is dropped

By Alex Moore | Rutland & Stamford Mercury | 24 May 2013 | www.stamfordmercury.co.uk

Campaigners have spoken of their relief after plans to build a wind turbine on a road with a history of accidents were withdrawn.

The plans were for a 150ft turbine on agricultural land next to Main Road, Dyke, just off the A15.

Dozens of people attended a Bourne Town Council planning committee meeting objecting to the turbine. And Lincolnshire county councillor Sue Woolley (Con) spoke out at the meeting against the plans.

But this week it was revealed that applicant Mr L Hammond, from Haconby, had withdrawn the plans.

Coun Woolley, who represents the Bourne Abbey ward, said: “I am very relieved that the application has been withdrawn.

“I received a huge number of queries, complaints and concerns about it.”

Residents of both Dyke and Bourne raised concerns. Coun Woolley said the main issue was the potential for the 50kW Endurance E-3120 turbine to distract drivers on a dangerous section of road.

She added: “It would draw people’s attention away from the road.

“I have got evidence from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership that the stretch of road is incredibly dangerous.

“But the junction at Dyke is also a notorious accident blackspot.

“I was extremely concerned that people would be driving along a red route and would perhaps be caught off guard and have their eyes drawn towards the blades.”

Bourne Town Council wrote to South Kesteven District Council, the planning authority, outlining members’ objections.

They were that it would have had a major impact on traffic safety by distracting motorists on an already dangerous piece of road and the structure would have been visually intrusive.

They also said it would have been the wrong location for such a project and it would have been out of character with Dyke and the rural area.

Planning agent Mosscliff Environmental, which dealt with the application, confirmed the plans had been withdrawn but declined to comment further.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/24/relief-as-dyke-wind-turbine-plan-is-dropped/