Spotlight on councillors over wind farm plan
PLANNERS have shifted the spotlight onto councillors ahead of a meeting to decide if developers can build a wind farm in Tydd St Mary.
Tonight South Holland District Council's development control committee will consider plans for seven 127m-tall turbines at Grange Farm - with an officers report admitting the evidence is "finely balanced".
In December the plans were deferred because members were concerned the site earmarked for the development was classed as unsuitable in the council's own Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG).
The SPG carved up the district in terms of suitability for wind turbines. The policy is up for renewal.
Development control manager Steve Williams reviewed the policy and in a report to members ahead of the meeting said that an objection to the plans, submitted by RES Renewables, could be made.
He says the policy justifies an objection on the visual and landscape impact the turbines would have and cumulative effect of another set of structures in South Holland - but that this would be "strenuously challenged" on appeal.
He added: "There is a view that the fact that the SPG identifies a site as unsuitable is an end to the matter. However, this cannot be the case.
"The SPG is (and was always intended to be) the starting point."
MP John Hayes opposes the plans and submitted a 353-name petition to the council.
Recently his spokesman called on the council to stand by its policy to prevent a flood of wind turbine applications.
However, retired Holbeach woman Val Gemmell collected 388 signatures in favour and RES says its plans have public support and that its 28,000-a-year community fund will boost the local area.
According to Mr Williams' report the Wash Estuary Strategy Group feels the plans do not comply with its policies.
The report adds: "The adverse landscape and visual impacts and cumulative effect of the proposed wind farm need to be weighed against its contribution to the regional renewables target and to meeting national objectives on climate change."
A recommendation at the end of the report does not offer councillors advice on what to decide but urges them to "weigh up" the arguments.
The meeting starts at 6.30pm and will be webcast at www.sholland.gov.uk
See this website tomorrow for news of the result of the meeting.
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Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
