September 17, 2013
England

Wind farm near Kimbolton rejected – for the second time

Written by EDWARD CURWEN | News & Crier | 17 September 2013 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk

Campaigners cheered from packed public galleries last night (September 16), as councillors rejected proposals for a new three-turbine wind farm on an old Second World War airfield near Kimbolton.

The plans, submitted by Broadview Energy to Huntingdonshire District Council were unanimously rejected after impassioned pleas from the people of surrounding villages, and a highly critical planning officers report.

Richard Murphy, Chairman of the STOP Bicton Wind farm Campaign, said: “I think what we’re very pleased about is that the panel have listened to the local voice. We’re pleased that they have listened and they have responded.

“There are so many more wind farms here than there were, but most importantly, we have a solar farm there which, as a local community, we all supported, and a lot of people don’t know it’s up there.”

It is not the first time an application for a wind farm at Bicton, near Kimbolton, has been proposed. A four-turbine scheme was rejected by councillors, and, after an appeal by Broadview Energy, a national planning inspector.

The new proposal moved two turbines away from Kimbolton castle, but closer to the village of Stow Longa.

Mr Murphy said: “Over all when you look at what Broadview have done, or rather what they have not done, is to significantly change the plans.

“They’re grasping at technical straws in my opinion. What they’ve not done is look at the spirit of the inspectors report.”

Tom Cosgrove spoke to councillors on behalf of Broadview Energy.

He argued that the original application had been rejected because of the location or two turbines. Broadview removed one and moved the other further north, which they felt addressed the concerns raised in the planning inspector’s report.

He also pointed out that wind turbines – along with other renewable enegry sources – were needed to address the “serious energy gap” the UK faces and to “ensure the lights stay on.”

Broadview can appeal the decision.

Mr Cosgrove said: “We are currently considering our options.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/17/wind-farm-near-kimbolton-rejected-for-the-second-time/