February 25, 2014
England

Wind farm plan for village is scrapped

25 February 2014 | www.granthamjournal.co.uk

Controversial plans to build a wind farm on Crown Estate land in Billingborough have been abandoned for “commercial reasons”, leaving campaigners joyous.

Electricity company E.on’s 2009 proposals to install 17 wind turbines on fenland between the villages of Billingborough and Horbling had come under fire from residents.

A campaign group Billingborough and Horbling Against Turbines was formed to oppose the scheme and last week claimed victory due to their organised opposition, saying members were feeling “considerable relief”.

A spokesman said: “For all those who opposed this very large industrial development close to two very rural villages, this is very good news.”

A spokesman for the Crown Estate said: “Our estate management decisions are based primarily on commercial factors and, having undertaken an estate wide review, we believe it is in our best commercial interest not to pursue the proposal.

“We believe we can derive best overall value from our Billingborough Estate by focusing on its agricultural element.”

The proposals emerged in September 2010 when E.on held a public exhibition outlining plans.

Turbines would have been 410ft high and had potential to provide 36,000 homes with electricity. No planning application was ever submitted.

Campaigners said the turbines would dwarf the spire of Billingborough’s St Andrew’s Church and affect views for miles.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/25/wind-farm-plan-for-village-is-scrapped/