June 13, 2014
England

Hemswell Cliff: Campaigners hoping for a decision boost from Pickles

Gainsborough Standard | 12 June 2014 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk

Campaigners against proposals to build a wind farm at Hemswell Cliff have been given an unexpected boost from a neighbouring scheme.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh has revealed this week that the final decision on plans to build at wind turbine at nearby Kingerby will now be taken by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Local Government and not by a planning inspector.

Mr Pickles decision would be final, so a decision not to go ahead with the project at Kingerby would be unlikely to be face an appeal.

And Hemswell campaigners will now be hoping a simialr course of action is taken over the plans to build a wind farm in their community with Mr Pickles, rather than an inspector, making the decisive final call.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh is also hopeful Mr Pickles will now make the call on Hemswell Cliff and believes the news over the Kingerby project is a major positive for Hemswell campaigners.

“The Planning Inspectorate has informed me that the Eric Pickles, has directed he will determine the outcome of this appeal (at Kingerby) rather than an Inspector,” said Sir Edward.

“I believe there is a much stronger chance of burying the Kingerby wind farm proposal once and for all now that the matter is in the hands of Eric Pickles.”

“I am also hoping we will soon receive a similar letter regarding the Hemswell Cliff proposal.”

“The planning committee at West Lindsey District Council made a very sensible decision in turning down the Kingerby application.”

“And they were reflecting the strongly felt desires of local residents.”

“Eric Pickles has many times emphasised the importance of local democracy.”

“So I am optimistic that he will uphold West Lindsey’s decision on that.”

And that would, it is hoped, then set a positive precedent for the Hemswell Cliff campaign.

Sir Edward has lobbied in Parliament for the Government to intervene on the issue ahead of developers RWE possibly submitting a revised application for the Hemswell Cliff site.

In particular, Sir Edwards has outlined concerns over the wind farm potential impact on air traffic control, given the proximity of RAF bases and Robin Hood Airport.

The potential effect on air traffic control was one of the reasons the Kingerby proposal was rejected.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/06/13/hemswell-cliff-campaigners-hoping-for-a-decision-boost-from-pickles/