Member Article

Lincolnshire County Council approve wind farm restrictions

Conservative-led Lincolnshire County Council has approved wind farm restrictions in the region.

The council’s executive members agreed to take a stronger position on wind farms, and voted as such.

Cllr Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “There’s been a proliferation of wind farms across Lincolnshire in recent years, and we feel that enough is enough.

“Although we understand the need for alternative energy and are not opposed to all wind farms, we remain unconvinced by the questionable science behind them.

“Not only are these things spoiling our beautiful countryside for future generations, they could also seriously damage our tourism industry - who wants to spend their holiday looking at a 400ft turbine?

“Similarly, who wants to live next door to one? People enjoy living in Lincolnshire because we have a great way of life, not because the landscape’s blighted by wind farms.

“On top of that, there are also issues around the damage caused to roads during the construction and decommissioning of turbines.

“And at a time of rising ‘fuel poverty’ people shouldn’t have to subsidise these developments through their energy bills.

“For these reason, we want to raise the bar even higher for anyone wanting to construct a wind farm in the county, and urge them to think twice about the impact their plans will have.”

Phil McVan, MD of Myriad CEG Power, the UK’s largest supplier and installer of renewable energy equipment reacted to the news.

He said: “Local authorities have to show some positive leadership on this issue. Creating almost a ‘blanket ban’ on wind turbines may win votes, but it’s not going to help to reduce carbon emissions from local communities and I think most people recognise the importance of this.

“They may well find the situation very different when voters are faced with the even higher energy bills and the real prospect of power cuts.

“With the large-scale take-up of solar power having been almost ground to a halt, wind energy is the main way forward if the UK is to meet its renewable energy targets and keep the lights on.

“There is a radical difference between large wind farms and individual farmers installing a small turbine on their land to help bring in much-needed additional revenue.

“The Government and local authorities need to be seen to be supporting the renewables sector, ensuring that rural and other communities don’t miss out on the real benefits of green energy.

“As well as reducing carbon footprint, wind technology also produces revenue streams that can be re-invested into local communities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .