April 16, 2015
England

Spanish renewables giant appeals over turbine plan

Market Rasen Mail | 16 April 2015 | www.marketrasenmail.co.uk

EDP, a major Spanish energy company, is taking on West Lindsey District Council over its rejection of a 102m wind turbine on land south of Caistor Road, South Kelsey.

The move follows the Ministry of Defence withdrawing its objection to the scheme, saying it could mitigate the potential harm the turbine could cause to air traffic control.

West Lindsey refused planning permission for the project last October citing radar problems as well as the project causing “substantial harm” to heritage assets including Holton Hall and Moortown House.

The project had received 39 objections, including representations from Sir Edward Leigh and STAG (South Kelsey Turbine Action Group).

However, Leeds-based agents for EDP, Turley Associates, say the turbine will no longer harm aviation infrastructure if it meets certain conditions.

Their Appeal Statement also denies it will harm “the significance of heritage assets including Holton Hall and Moortown House.” There would also be “negligible impact on protected and/or important habitats and species.”

The project would supply energy to 600 homes, help Britain meet its statutory obligations on renewable energy and provide “continued financial support to the host farm business.”

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the MOD had previously opposed the turbine, but EDP proposed measures to mitigate its impact on military operations.

“The MOD’s objection was therefore removed, subject to an agreed planning condition being imposed should the application be approved. The MOD updated West Lindsey District Council of its position in October 2014,” she added.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/04/16/spanish-renewables-giant-appeals-over-turbine-plan/