October 10, 2013
England

Government backs Fenland residents who opposed six wind turbines near their homes

BREAKING NEWS: Government backs Fenland residents who opposed six wind turbines near their homes | Story by: JOHN ELWORTHY | Ely Standard | Thursday, October 10, 2013 | www.elystandard.co.uk

A campaign group was celebrating today after winning a public inquiry to prevent six wind turbines near their village.

Protest group FenRATs (Fenland Residents Against Wind Turbines) raised £30,000 to campaign against the turbines which included hiring a barrister for an eight day public inquiry.

The Treadings Bank Wind Farm development at Tydd Giles near Wisbech was opposed by both Fenland District Council and neighbouring South Holland District Council.

FenRATs has fought to halt the wind farm claiming that with “turbines higher than Coldham Wind Farm in Fenland it would have an adverse affect on the immediate tranquil area, most notably the parishes of Tydd St Giles, Sutton St Edmund, Gorefield, Newton and Parson Drove.”

NE Cambs MP Steve Barclay who backed the protestors said he was “delighted to welcome a landmark victory for FenRATs campaigners”.

Details of the decision were unveiled by Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins and come after a sustained campaign launched by local residents to stop the turbines.

Mr Barclay said: “This is an absolutely brilliant result for FenRATS and their supporters who raised £30,000 to hold an eight-day public inquiry on the decision in April.

“I was proud to speak on behalf of residents at the public inquiry, and have written to thank local residents who supported the campaign and to congratulate FenRATS campaigners on their victory.”

Mr Barclay said he was convinced the decision would not have happened “without the fantastic campaigning efforts of so many constituents who fought against this unsuitable development.

“It is a real case of David overcoming Goliath and a victory for those who feared the impact the turbines would have had on the fabric of the local community.

“I would like to sincerely thank all of those who turned up to the planning inspectors hearing, wrote letters and raised funds in support of the campaign.

“Too often, it is assumed that the voice of local communities is not heard, that residents are powerless to raise objections and that their message is drowned out by big money firms who are able to exert their influence by shouting loudest.

Today marks a step change in that process, and I congratulate all of those who have campaigned so hard on this issue.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/10/government-backs-fenland-residents-who-opposed-six-wind-turbines-near-their-homes/