July 22, 2014
England

Hemswell Cliff wind farm: Minister Eric Pickles ‘calls in’ controversial plans for final decision

By CJHall_LE | Posted: July 22, 2014 | Lincolnshire Echo | www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk

Campaigners against a wind farm proposals which sparked 2,000 letters of objection have won the latest stage in their battle against the controversial Hemswell Cliff scheme.

MP Sir Edward Leigh has revealed that the proposed scheme for turbines taller than the central tower of Lincoln Cathedral has been ‘called in’ by a Government Minister.

Conservative Sir Edward, who represents Gainsborough and Market Rasen constituency where the wind farm is planned beside the A15 11 miles north of Lincoln, revealed the move today.

“I have had a letter from Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, letting me know that he has called in the Hemswell Cliff wind farm for his determination,” Sir Edward said.

“This means that, just as with the Kingerby wind farm application, Eric will make the final call rather than the bureaucrats at the Planning Inspectorate.

“With the decision in Eric’s hands, I am very confident we will have a result which reflects the very strong opposition this proposal has faced.

“I have visited the site, spoken to local parish councillors, and read the letters in my in box.

“Local residents and other concerned parties are almost entirely against it.”

“While a rejection isn’t in the bag yet, it’s testament to the hard work put in by Villages of the Cliff Against Turbines and others to make sure this devastating proposal doesn’t go through.

“West Lindsey District Council was completely right in refusing the application, and Eric Pickles has been vocal in backing up local decision-making.”

On October 30 last year a special planning meeting was held at the Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic centre to determine the scheme.

WLDC’s planning committee uninmously rejected RWE Npower Renewables’ application for 10 turbines which would power between 12,900 and 14,600 homes.

But the company appealed and was due to ask a planning inquiry inspector for permission to go ahead with eight turbines on the farmland site.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/22/hemswell-cliff-wind-farm-minister-eric-pickles-calls-in-controversial-plans-for-final-decision/