Wind farm firm goes to appeal

An energy company that was refused permission to build a wind farm near a former airfield has appealed against the decision.

Infinergy’s application to build ten 125m turbines on farmland at Thackson’s Well in Normanton, near Long Bennington, was rejected by South Kesteven District Council in March.

The site is next to the disused Normanton Airfield.

Infinergy’s project director Mr Herbert Lindlahr said: “We are confident of our case.

“Wind energy is proven as one of the most effective and viable sources of renewable electricity and projects such as ours are desperately needed.”

The Dorset-based company claims energy produced by the wind farm would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 52,000 tonnes per year.

It says the project would create employment for local contractors during the development phase and a trust fund for local community initiatives, linked directly to the amount of energy produced by the wind farm.

Plans for Thackson’s Well were originally submitted in November last year after an assessment of the location and environmental landscape.

District planning officers recommended that planning permission be granted, but the council’s planning committee voted against the application.

More than 150 people attended a district council meeting at which the turbine plans were discussed.

They included representatives from several parish councils and the action group, Belvoir Locals Oppose Turbines, made up of 1,000 residents of nine neighbouring villages. The application is due to considered at a public inquiry.