More large-scale onshore wind farms planned across Lincolnshire 

A number of large-scale wind farms across parts of Lincolnshire have been included in plans to reduce carbon emissions.

Three district councils in the county are considering recommendations to build dozens of turbines across the district.

Opponents have criticised the use of onshore turbines due to what they see as the impact on the environment and noise concerns.

The City of Lincoln, West Lindsey and North Kesteven councils make up the central Lincolnshire ‘Local Area’ plan.

They are now considering recommendations to build dozens of new turbines over the next few years. The consultation is part of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, shared by the organisations.

Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District, said: “As a council that has taken a clear position in pursuit of climate change responses and set out an ambitious action plan to progress our climate change strategy, we are committed to pursuing a roadmap to net-zero emissions for both the district council and the district of North Kesteven.

“As a partner of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan that sets out the area’s strategic planning framework we are, as a council, keen to ensure that we develop a Local Plan compatible with a net zero objective. In pursuit of this, we will need to promote transition towards renewable energy.

“Together with our Central Lincolnshire partners, we have commissioned work to explore the range of policies that will be required in the Local Plan as far as climate change is concerned.

“We will be guided by the evidence base that emerges from that work – and from subsequent consultation input – to ensure that the right mix of energy generation solutions is included for Central Lincolnshire.”

According to a report prepared for the three authorities, the region would need to reduce emissions by 13.4 percent a year to meet its targets, with 70 percent of energy being produced by onshore wind, solar, or other forms of renewable power.

It recommended installing a minimum of 75 turbines across the wider area, which it said would require an area the size of about 150 football pitches.

The proposals face a public consultation which is due to take place in the coming weeks.

A recent North Kesteven district council consultation confirmed that 77 per cent of respondents believe climate change is a key issue to address.

City of Lincoln council leader, Cllr Ric Metcalfe said: “When City of Lincoln Council declared a climate emergency, we committed to a vision of a carbon neutral Lincoln by 2030 at the latest, and decarbonising our own footprint supports this ambition.”

While only three districts have proposed the initial suggestions, Lincolnshire County Council has itself already pledged to meet net-zero carbon targets by 2050.

However, not everyone there believes a widespread increase in turbines is the best way to achieve the green goals.

Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place, said: “Large-scale wind farms in Lincolnshire are not what we want to see.

“The big thing for us is a zero-carbon Lincolnshire that is respectful of the environment.”

The demand for wind-powered energy has increased in recent years.

Last April, a huge 1,400 tonne transformer was towed just off the Lincolnshire coast as part of massive wind farm project.

Back in January the Triton Knoll wind farm off the Lincolnshire coast, successfully generated renewable electricity for the first time.