October 10, 2013
England

Victory for anti-wind farm campaigners

Fenland Citizen | 10 October 2013 | www.fenlandcitizen.co.uk

Steve Barclay MP has today welcomed a landmark victory for campaigners who objected to plans to site a wind farm development in Tydd St Giles.

Details of the decision were unveiled by Local Government Minister Chris Hopkins and come after a sustained campaign launched by local residents to stop the construction of 6 turbines at the Treading Bank Site.

The MP hailed the outcome as brilliant result for local campaign group FenRATS who raised £30,000 to hold an eight-day public inquiry on the decision in April.

The MP, who spoke on behalf of residents at the public inquiry, has written to thank local residents who supported the campaign and congratulate FenRATS campaigners on their victory.

Mr Barclay said: “I am absolutely delighted to confirm that the application to build a wind turbine development in Tydd St Giles has been rejected by the Government.

“I am convinced this 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”.

In April over 60 residents gathered to protest at the public inquiry sparked by wind farm developers Wind Ventures Ltd’s appeal against Fenland District Council and South Holland District Council rejection of their planning bid.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/10/victory-for-anti-wind-farm-campaigners/