A new wind farm on the fenlands of Lincolnshire has been approved by UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey.
As many as 22 wind turbines on Heckington Fen will generate up to 66MW of energy, which could save roughly 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere each year.
The fens are a popular destination with walkers and Lincolnshire County Council nearly threw a spanner in the works last summer with their concerns it might damage the local tourism industry. At the time, a local council leader was quoted as saying “Enough is enough” for wind turbines in the region. Following a public inquiry when an independent Planning Inspector looked over the plans, the farm was recommended for approval.
The firm behind Heck Fen wind farm, Ecotricity says it has spent four years of research, planning and consultation to get approval for their largest wind park to date.
Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: “Heckington Fen is a superb location for a wind park, probably the best we’ve ever seen.
“The planning department from North Kesteven District Council recommended the application for approval and we had no objections from any of the statutory consultees such as English Heritage, RSPB or Natural England. That’s quite rare and a sign of what a strong project this is.”
He added: “We’re grateful to the Secretary of State for his decision in the face of considerable political hot air right now on the subject of windmills and we’d also like to thank the many people in the local community that wrote letters of support for the project.”