September 13, 2013
England

Campaigners say Lincolnshire Wolds could become a ‘wind turbine landscape’

Grimsby Telegraph | September 13, 2013 | www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

Campaigners urged Ludborough residents to “stand together” against proposals which could turn the stunning Lincolnshire countryside into a “wind turbine landscape”.

There was barely a spare seat in St Mary’s Church as Ludborough Parish Council held a public meeting to discuss the impact of proposed wind farms on the area on Tuesday evening.

The meeting follows scoping opinion for the erection of up to four 125-metre turbines on land at Damwells Farm, Ludborough – despite the area being inundated with other turbines and applications.

Melvin Grosvenor, founder of the Marsh Windfarm Action Group (MWAG) has “gained some considerable experience” in opposing such plans and promised to help residents fight.

He said: “Stand together and oppose this because if you do nothing you will get a windfarm, if you do something, you at least increase your chances of not getting one.”

The comments prompted a speech from Yarburgh resident Andrew Mclaren, 57, who said that he and his neighbours weren’t consulted when a turbine went up nearby.

“The first we heard about it was when we saw the builders but we weren’t close enough to be consulted and were told we couldn’t appeal because it was too late.

“You’ve got a chance we never had so take it because if you fight it and lose, you’ll know you tried, but if you do nothing, you’ll always wish you had.”

Mr Grosvenor said that Ludborough was in an “unprecedented” situation as there are so many other wind farms nearby.

He warned that, unless they win the battle, “the Lincolnshire Wolds will become a wind turbine landscape rather than a landscape with turbine”.

Mr Grosvenor also read a letter from Louth and Horncastle MP Sir Peter Tapsell, thanking him for his efforts in fighting “these hideous monstrosities”.

Also speaking at the meeting were local councillors, including Craig Leyland, portfolio holder for economic development at the local planning authority, East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).

“Unfortunately, these are not planning considerations,” was his message to residents complaining of issues such as the impact on property prices, questions over efficiency and blot on the landscape.

However, Mr Leyland insisted he was on their side but was bound by guidelines from central Government which dictates that planning authorities can only refuse permission on a number of specified grounds – or “planning considerations”.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/13/campaigners-say-lincolnshire-wolds-could-become-a-wind-turbine-landscape/