‘Monstrous’ turbine at Kelsey blocked 

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal for a controversial wind turbine in South Kelsey.

Applicant EDP had appealed against West Lindsey District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a 102-metre turbine off Gipsy Lane on the B1205 between Moortown and South Kelsey.

The proposal caused concern among many residents, who set up Stop Turbines Action Group and challenged the application on the grounds of scale and dominance, the visual impact on the Lincolnshire Wolds and the fact that nearby Holton le Moor is a conservation area.

MP Sir Edward Leigh also objected to the proposal – and has welcomed the Planning Inspectorate’s decision.

He said: “I am really pleased that yet another inappropriate wind turbine development has been refused at appeal, in line with the original decision of the local authority.

“On this occasion the inspector has supported the concerns of the many local residents who campaigned against this turbine on the effects it would have on our local heritage and area of outstanding natural beauty.

“I know it has taken a long time to get to this final decision, since original consideration of the application by West Lindsey District Council in April 2014, however I am sure local people will agree that the system has worked and the right decision has been 
made.

“I know that both the South Kelsey and Moortown Parish Councils voted to oppose this development and with their dedicated local district councillor, Lewis Strange, and the members of the Stop Turbines Action Group have succeeded. By working together we have achieved this victory together.”

Coun Strange also welcomed the news and described 
the turbine proposal as ‘monstrous’.

He said: “One thing my residents know about me is that I am one hundred per cent behind stopping these monstrous turbines from blighting our beautiful county’s skyline.

“The big skies of Lincolnshire are being protected for future generations to enjoy.”

He added: “The vast majority of residents will be delighted with the news that this huge turbine has been refused.”

WLDC originally turned down the proposal saying it would cause ‘substantial harm’ to heritage assets including Holton Hall and Moortown House.

Planning inspector Zoe Hill said the turbine would be ‘intrusive’ on the Lincolnshie Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In her planning report, she stated: “I have no doubt that, given its colour against the backdrop of the surrounding agricultural land and trees along with its height and movement, despite being a distant structure it would appear visually intrusive.

“Moreover, it would appear as an uncharacteristic modern industrial structure within the extensive views of the countryside.”

Ms Hill went on to state: “In terms of specific visual impacts there would be a significant impact at crossroads at Moortown, where the orientation and road layout would mean that the proposed turbine would appear to loom over some of the buildingsthere.

“The wind turbine would also be more prominent, when seen in views on the roads nearer to the site, particularly that between South Kelsey and Moortown and on the road which links with Gravel Hill Farm.

“In some views the proximity would result in a significant and dominating feature that would cause considerable localised harm.”