October 23, 2014
England

Residents win campaign to block RWE Innogy River Valley wind farm near Spaldington

By Lucy Leeson | Hull Daily Mail | October 23, 2014 | www.hulldailymail.co.uk

Campaigners against a proposed East Yorkshire wind farm are celebrating after an appeal to build six turbines near Spaldington was refused.

RWE Innogy UK’s appeal to build the wind turbines at Welham Bridge has been refused by the Secretary of State Eric Pickles.

Spaldington parish councillor Rob Hare said: “The Secretary of State has agreed with us that there is no room for any more wind farms in this area.

“This not only stops the six turbines of the River Valley wind farm, but also presents a significant deterrent to other developers submitting applications for any more large turbines in this area.

“We have shown that local opinion is right – enough means enough.”

Mr Pickle’s decision comes following a public inquiry into the River Valley wind farm held in Goole in May.

East Riding Council had originally refused the company’s application to build six, 128m turbines to the north west of Welham Bridge with three turbines to the south of the River Foulness, and three more to the north, in December, last year.

Spaldington Parish Council clerk Wendy McKay told the Mail the Secretary of State’s decision has a significance far beyond Spaldington.

She said: “It sets a precedent such that other communities facing excessive wind turbine development in the East Riding and beyond now have a case to refer to.

“We have established where the line should be drawn.”

Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis joined campaigners in their fight against RWE Innogy UK plans for the River Valley wind farm. Mr Davis said: “This government has ensured far more weight in the appeals process is now being given to local opinion and the valid objections of local people.

“Fighting appeals is no longer a futile exercise or waste of money; it is vital to protect people’s lives, their homes, the countryside in which they chose to live.

“Here in the East Riding we already have a vast number of wind turbines; the highest density in England.

“We’ve made our contribution to renewable energy. It is time for the relentless march of the wind turbines to come to an end and I congratulate Spaldington Parish Council on this achievement.”

Chairman of Spaldington Parish Council Kath Westin said: “I would like to thank all those in Spaldington and the surrounding area who have supported us.

“The advocate and expert witnesses who we engaged to present the best possible case have been paid for entirely by donations; there has been no cost to parish funds.

“I am so pleased we can now let people know their investment has been worthwhile.

“This decision will actually save the parish money in future.

“We know all too well from the problems being caused by the development of Spaldington Airfield wind farm, the huge burden which is imposed when a wind farm is consented in the parish.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/23/residents-win-campaign-to-block-rwe-innogy-river-valley-wind-farm-near-spaldington/