July 18, 2014
England

Dismay as planners appeal against Litlington wind farm rejection

Written by ELEANOR DICKINSON | Royston Weekly News | 17 July 2014 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk

A rejected industrial wind farm has been put back on the table for a “picturesque” village near Royston.

Highfield Wind Energy Limited has appealed against a rejection to building five 100m turbines on heath land near Litlington.

Royston town councillors, who had vehemently fought against the proposals, have now criticised the planners for their “arrogance” in ignoring the initial objections raised.

Cllr Rod Kennedy said: “It’s interesting to read what the developers said.

“It is like they are saying ‘yes we agree with what you say but we think it’s better our way.’

“It was the most arrogant set of responses I have ever come across.”

He added: “They are going to make a lot of money out of it.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee gave the wind farm proposals the thumbs down in February this year.

At the time, campaigners argued that the turbines – which would have been taller than Big Ben – would have dominated a “quiet and gentle” landscape.

Cllr Lindsay Davidson, chair of Royston Town Council’s planning committee, said: “I have a fear that they will get the given the go-ahead as so many have been across the country.”

She added: “It’s the poor people in Litlington who are going to suffer though.”

Cllr John Davison proposed the committee write to Royston’s MP Oliver Heald.

He said: “These 100 metre turbines would tower above the heath .

“It’s an example of something in our area and on our door step, that’s in the control of South Cambridgeshire.”

Claire Hewett, from Engena, agents for Highfield Wind Energy, said: “We have put in an appeal to the planning inspectors and we expect it to go to an inquiry around November time.”

In response the council’s criticisms, she said: “We had a public exhibition and all local views were put into the planning statement.

“We have held more consultations which allowed residents to make their views known before the appeal.

“This is an important site, as all our proposed sites are, in providing green energy and that’s why there is an appeal.”

The consultation process finished on Tuesday and a final decision on the site is expected by autumn this year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/18/dismay-as-planners-appeal-against-litlington-wind-farm-rejection/