April 2, 2014
England

Wind farm plans for Lyveden New Bield in Northamptonshire scrapped

Northampton Herald & Post | 02/04/2014 | www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk

Plans to build four wind turbines near the historic Lyveden New Bield have been withdrawn.

West Coast Energy applied to build four 400ft (125m) wind turbines on land close to Lyveden New Bield, home to a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house, lodge and garden. Following a lengthy legal battle, the energy company has finally withdrawn the application from the planning process.

The original application, made in 2010, was rejected by East Northamptonshire Council – a decision which was supported by the National Trust and English Heritage as well as many local residents.

Throughout various appeals, East Northamptonshire Council, the National Trust and English Heritage have worked together as they believe the development would have had a serious impact on the setting and significance of Lyveden and on the public’s enjoyment of this important heritage asset.

Lyveden Ward Councillor, Sylvia Hughes, said: “Whilst we support the development of green energy, it must not be to the detriment of our valuable heritage sites.

“The damage these turbines would have done to the character of Lyveden’s landscape far outweighs any benefits generated by the supply of energy produced.”

Helen Ghosh, Director General of the National Trust, said:

“We’re a conservation charity, which means we support renewables where they work in the landscape, but we also have a duty to protect our places from inappropriate developments.

“We’re delighted that after championing our cause at the highest level, we’ve been able to protect the setting of this special and unique place for the nation.”

Anthony Streeten, East Midlands Planning and Conservation Director at English Heritage, said: “Withdrawal of these damaging proposals is the final piece in the jigsaw that gives proper recognition to the importance of Lyveden New Bield and other heritage sites in this very special part of the Northamptonshire countryside – one of the most beautiful and unspoilt Elizabethan landscapes in England.

“It is good to know that we have won the argument convincingly; these turbines would have been especially harmful to the understanding and appreciation of Lyveden’s Grade I listed Elizabethan Lodge and garden.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/02/wind-farm-plans-for-lyveden-new-bield-in-northamptonshire-scrapped/