October 18, 2013
England

More than 2,000 objections to Hemswell Cliff wind farm scheme

This is Lincolnshire | October 17, 2013 | www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

Planning officers are recommending that a controversial wind farm project for 10 turbines taller than Lincoln Cathedral’s central tower is refused – after 2,000 objection letters were received.

And West Lindsey District Council has arranged a special planning meeting to discuss the Hemswell Cliff scheme for farmland 11 miles north of Lincoln.

More than 600 letters have been sent in support of RWE Npower Renewables Ltd’s application to erect a 20 to 25 mega-watt wind farm with 126.5-metres’ high turbines at Hemswell Cliff.

But, with nine rural communities joining forces to form Villages of the Cliff Against Turbines, the Gainsborough-based authority believes that there is an unprecedented high level of interest.

WLDC has organised a special planning meeting at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

It will take place at the Epic Centre on the Lincolnshire showground on Wednesday, October 30.

Officers have recommended in a report to the planning committee that the application for the 400ft-plus turbines be refused on a number of grounds.

“This is a major planning application, which officers have been working on for 12 months, assessing all the information and undertaking discussions with statutory consultees,” said WLDC director of planning and regeneration Mark Sturgess.

“It has generated a high level of interest from local residents, which is why we have decided to hold the special planning meeting – to enable as many people as possible to attend.

“It raises significant issues about how we protect the built and natural environment of the district and play our part in meeting the renewable energy requirements of the country.”

The meeting will be split into two sessions.

The first will allow the planning committee to listen to those making representations for and against the planning application.

And the second part, starting at 6.30pm, will be when the decision is made.

To see a copy of the report visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk

To speak at the meeting, contact the democratic services team on 01427 676595 or committeeadmin@west-lindsey.gov.uk to register a request.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/18/more-than-2000-objections-to-hemswell-cliff-wind-farm-scheme/