Copyright 2003 Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph
Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

November 28, 2003

SECTION: News; Environment; Energy; Pg. 19

LENGTH: 330 words

HEADLINE: Both Sides Continue The Fight Over Windpower In North Lincs

BODY:
In September 2002, DP Energy Ireland Ltd applied to North Lincolnshire
Council for planning permission to erect a 50-metre-high anemometer mast at
Becks Gate, Luddington, to test wind speeds. Renewable Energy Systems was
already carrying out trials with an anemometer mast for a windfarm at North
Moor Farm, Trentside, in Keadby.

In April this year, plans were unveiled by an East Anglian firm to erect,
subject to planning permission, up to 11 wind turbines which would be 100m
(300ft) tall on land to the east of Laughton Woods, near Scotter.

Your Energy Ltd, based at Felaw Street in Ipswich, has applied to West
Lindsey District Council to build the Laughton Woods windfarm.

If approved it will be based at Mount Pleasant Farm, Laughton.

The company initially installed a test mast, which cost £10,000 to put up
and maintain over a two-year period, and will record wind speed and
direction.

If completed, the £20-million to £25-million plant will power up to 12,600
homes, around 41 per cent of the West Lindsey district, with renewable
electricity.

Alan Wood, of Gainsborough Road, Blyton, said a windfarm was a good idea, as
were all forms of renewable energy. But he questioned whether this was the
right place for the development.

"I'm surprised at the location and I never thought this would be the place
for a windfarm.

"I always thought higher ground or coastal estuaries were the places for
windfarms.

"It is the visual impact that concerns me most," said Mr Wood, a former
parish councillor for Blyton.

Earlier this month, following months of trials, Hertfordshire firm Renewable
Energy Systems Ltd (RES) set in motion a scheme which could see 39 turbines,
each 125 metres tall, sited on farmland near Keadby power station.

The residents of the Isle formed a group, North Axholme Against Windfarms,
as soon as the first application was made, to protest about what they
believed was the destruction of the countryside.



LOAD-DATE: November 29, 2003