Unanimous thumbs down for wind plans from Immingham Town Council
IMMINGHAM Town Council has unanimously opposed proposals to build two wind turbines in Manby Road.
It is the latest setback in the landowner's three-year battle to secure planning permission.
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NO TO WIND TURBINES: Councillor Stuart Swinburn holds petitions signed by residents who are objecting a proposal to build two wind turbines on land to the rear of Woodlands Avenue in Immingham. Picture: Jon Corken
As reported, about 30 worried residents attended a meeting of the town council to express their concerns, with some saying they "feared for their lives" if the 44.5m turbines were installed and subsequently exploded or the blades came loose.
Many brought along cuttings from national newspapers which reported instances where turbines had blown-up in high winds to back up their claims.
Both residents and town councillors also had concerns over the noise, vibrations, visual impact, decreased house prices and shadow flicker from the blades, which they claimed could cause cars to swerve off the road.
However, a small wind report conducted by turbine installation firm Segen, submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department, found no reason why the two Vestas V27 wind turbines could not be installed at the Meldan Fabrications site.
Site owner and applicant Lee Dickinson hopes the turbines will eventually power two steel fabrication workshops on the site, with any surplus electricity being put back into the grid, adding they will generate enough power for 100 homes at about 461,370 kWh.
He said about 20 jobs could also be created as a result of the construction, installation and maintenance of the turbines.
A design and access document also submitted to NELC claims the chimneys and cranes of the nearby port – and an Orange phone mast on an adjacent site – will ensure they do not look out of place.
Mr Dickinson said: "I have been trying to get planning for this site for three years and I don't see what the problems is.
"It would be a small wind farm development, which has low impact on the environment.
"It is located on industrial land overshadowed by oil refineries.
"The turbines are small in comparison to other specifications available.
"It is not on a greenfield site and it would be a very small scheme, which can only boost the area.
"It is quite sad that Immingham is behind with renewable energy and I think it could only improve the area.
"This will be the last roll of the dice for my planning application for the turbines."
But residents living in nearby Woodlands Avenue, which is approximately 130m from the site, disagree.
Alan Bridge said: "These are not small machines.
"They are about 150ft high with a span of 90ft.
"We would feel the vibrations, hear and see these monstrosities all day and night.
"If we wanted to sell our house there would be no chance, because the first thing you would see is the turbines.
"It would not only be residents in our street who could see them – the whole of Immingham would be able to.
"It would truly affect people's lives."
Mayor of Immingham, Neil Castle, agreed with the majority.
He said: "We assure residents we will do the best we can to put a stop to this development.
"I have seriously taken into consideration all your concerns, that these wind turbine will be noisy and unsightly."
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North East Lincolnshire Council will make the final decision at a date yet to be set.
42 Comments
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by Jasbee
Monday, February 20 2012, 2:39PM
“It seems that The telegraph has taken to removing comments when they have a lot. This is a bad practice. Who is the select er do they know the subject/ (doubt it) Seems like any technically oriented posts have gone. A bad practice. Which will result in distortions of facts. Maybe I will drop your paper.”
by Howlin_Pete
Thursday, January 19 2012, 5:14PM
“Another example of denial or the head where the sun dont shine viewpoint towards renewable energy. Nuclear has been proved to be dangerous. Burning fossil fuels destroys the planets air. So we are left with Solar, Wind and Wave (not counting research into pure water fission) Backwaters like my old home town WHICH relies heavily on dirty child killing petrochemicals for work, should be ashamed of themselves for turning their backs on green energy. Your decision has contributed to the poisoning of yours and my descendents planet. Is at not "a laugh" that Imminghams rate of child asthma is far above the national average. Then of course theres the little problem of WHERE we get our fossil fuel from if you've opted for that choice. Russia and the oh so stable Middle East of course. You'll never wake up to reality so heres hoping that can all swim, or at least live a mile or 2 above sea level. Thats if oxygen starvation hasnt got you first lol.”
by valvissy123
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 8:09AM
“P_rhana wrote: "Let's face it wind power is here to stay".
Sorry, you're just plain wrong .. again. The wind turbine industry is collapsing .. taxpayers money has run out, and without it the private sector just aren't interested.
I wish you'd do some homework on the topics you insist on commenting on. You only end up looking foolish when you don't.”
by valvissy123
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 8:04AM
“Ignore previous message. I've just found it. Apologies.”
by valvissy123
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 8:04AM
“How come I can read the latest comments, and the oldest ones .. but not the ones in between??
There used to be something called 'View all comments' but its disappeared!
Am I missing something?”
by p_rhana
Tuesday, January 17 2012, 11:46PM
“'F' Oooohhh P_, 'One person is trying to take over the plots'. Is that how some posters consider their areas of interest – PLOTS.
'P' Yes very strange that. No doubt Fawkes and Catesby will soon be contributing.
'F' Hahahaha I bet you're right……… and the FIO button on the right hahahahah!”
by ABD_Member
Tuesday, January 17 2012, 10:44PM
“Local democracy at work. I do not know if ROCs or FITs are issued on this application, Allun do you know? When I was in France, I was told that their laws preclude any large type of wind turbine to be installed within a 1 km of any existing residential area. Strobe effects in low sun was cited as one of the reasons. Does anyone know if this was considered in the council meeting or by the residents?
smokebelch Tuesday, January 17 2012, 6:09AM and Allun Monday, January 16 2012, 9:28PM - yep I agree with your statements. Allun, FIO there is a button on right.”
by smokebelch
Tuesday, January 17 2012, 6:09AM
“all I can imagine the "p" stands for pr**k, and the "f" must equate to f***wit”
by p_rhana
Tuesday, January 17 2012, 12:31AM
“'P' What's wrong in highlighting the dangers of nuclear power?
'F' Nothing as far as I can see. Radioactive caesium is far more dangerous than a bit of coal dust or nice clean windmills.
'P' It certainly is Fan.”
by Allun
Monday, January 16 2012, 9:28PM
“I have kept out of this thread mainly because of the antics by Piranah.
Please can the moderator observe the tirade of immaturity and ban Piranah.
One person is trying to take over the plots of nearly every entry in the GT by issuing childish demented rubbish.
This person lacks intellect and oozes fetid ramblings.”