Protesters Launch Balloon Campaign Against Turbine Plans

Campaigners opposed to plans for a wind farm near Wainfleet are flying a balloon to demonstrate the scale of the turbines.

The company, RWE Renewables, wants to site four masts at Wainfleet but protestors are demonstrating the height at which the turbines would top out by flying a balloon at 127m (417ft).  They aim to show how much of an impact this would have on the surrounding countryside.

RWE said it was listening to all opinions and was testing the site to make sure it was suitable.

Melvin Grosvenor, of the Wainfleet Windfarm Action Group, said it was not clear why onshore turbines were needed with wind farms planned for the sea.

“Why are we having to put up with this when there are so many turbines going offshore, and it is going to impact so heavily on our landscape, the views from the Lincolnshire Wolds and the general countryside

“Then of course there is the oppressive nature of these turbines close to people’s homes. People are becoming more and more opposed to these things because they can’t see the sense in the whole proposal.”

RWE Renewables said a mixture of on and offshore sites was needed to make the best use of resources to meet renewable energy targets.

RWE are the company that is also behind the scheme to develop a sub-station in the area, which is currently on hold, due to a high level of resident dissatisfaction with the scheme.