January 25, 2014
England

Fears Louth Canal wind farm will turn area into a ‘Teletubby land’

By Grimsby Telegraph | Posted: January 25, 2014 | www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

“If it goes ahead, we will be forced to live in a Teletubby land.”

That’s the fear of one resident, who has spoken out against a proposed wind farm at North Thoresby.

But there were mixed views aired during a public enquiry into the Louth Canal wind farm plan, which began on Tuesday, as reported.

Developer Partnerships For Renewables (PFR) is appealing the decision by East Lindsey District Council to reject its application to build three turbines of up to 113.5 metres high on land at Fen Lane.

A public session was held at Tedder Hall, in Manby, where ten residents had their say; seven opposing the wind turbines and three in favour.

Jill Lingard, who lives in Church Lane, Grainthorpe, believes the turbines will have a detrimental effect on the local landscape.

“My husband and I retired to the area for its tranquility, but with the turbines potentially being 700 metres away from our property, we are concerned about the possible noise,” she said.

“We will have to endure an unacceptable amount of noise.”

Andrew McLaren, who has lived in the area for 30 years, was also against the proposed wind farm.

“This isn’t about saving the planet,” he said. “It’s about greedy landowners wanting to make more money.

“People choose this area for its peaceful setting, and it is totally unsuitable for this wind development.

“If it goes ahead, we will be forced to live in a Teletubby land.”

East Lindsey District Council’s Planning Committee rejected the application on the grounds that it would harm the character of the landscape, have a detrimental effect on heritage assets and affect living conditions at neighbouring Eastfield through noise and the visual impact.

But James Pocklington, who formed the Lincolnshire Pro Wind Alliance, said it is important that this proposal goes ahead.

He said: “Wind will play an important part of our future in the growing challenges with climate change.

“Lincolnshire is a very windy place, so it seems pragmatic to use this renewable resource,” he said.

“Apparently we are the windiest country in Europe. So why aren’t we exploiting the wind for our benefit?”

Following the hearing, planning inspector Zoe Hill will make a recommendation to the secretary of state as to whether the appeal should be upheld.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/25/fears-louth-canal-wind-farm-will-turn-area-into-a-teletubby-land/