June 3, 2015
England

Emergency talks over wind turbine appeal

Market Rasen Mail | 03 June 2015 | www.marketrasenmail.co.uk

An emergency meeting has taken place to discuss plans for a wind turbine that would “define the character of Caistor”.

About 40 residents turned out for a meeting about a proposed 102-metre turbine at the end of Moor Lane next to Caistor Equestrian Centre.

The plans have already been thrown out by West Lindsey District Council but now EDP, the company behind the application, are appealing the decision – and residents have until tomorrow (June 4) to lodge their objections.

Leading authority on wind turbines, Melvin Grosvenor, was called in at short notice to give a presentation to worried residents about how to win the fight.

Speaking at the meeting, held at Caistor Town Hall, Mr Grosvenor said: “For Caistor this is a serious application.

“My view on this turbine is that it will define the character of Caistor.

“It will subjugate the church, it will subjugate the character of Caistor.

“The biggest impact will be when you come into Caistor from the west. The church will be completely dominated.”

In its reasons for refusal, WLDC said the turbine would result in “unacceptable” harm to the setting of Caistor Conservation Area and that it would have a detrimental visual impact upon the views and setting of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Moor Lane residents say the turbine would be too close to their homes and that the road surface in the lane would not be able to cope with the additional transport that would result from a turbine being 
put up.

Mr Grosvenor warned about the cumulative impact of wind turbines on the landscape saying it was a “serious threat” to the Lincolnshire Wolds.

He said: “They (the applicant) describe it as a small turbine – at 102m it’s not a small turbine, it’s colossal.”

Lesley and David Kendall have lived in the house closest to the site of the proposed turbine for the past 32 years.

Lesley said: “My house is in direct line to it. It’s 800m away from the actual turbine.

“It’ll be visible from my bedroom, lounge, front door, back door, garden and patio – there’s no way I can get away from it.

“I’m terrified of the health issues of having a turbine close to me.

“The impact on my house will be immense.”

WLDC councillor Angela Lawrence, who organised the meeting, said she had spoken to just one resident who was in favour of the application and ‘dozens’ who were against it.

She said: “It’s been a very illuminating meeting. Now it’s very important we make our objections heard.”

EDP said WLDC’s reasons for refusal cannot be supported.

It said: “The proposal will not result in a significant effect on the setting of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB, nor will it result in harm to the significance of the heritage assets in the vicinity of the 
site.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/06/03/emergency-talks-over-wind-turbine-appeal/