Saxby Wold Wind Farm Proposal

Missed opportunity as Saxby Wold wind farm is refused

On Wednesday 8 February 2012 North Lincolnshire Council planners refused planning permission for the resubmitted application for Saxby Wold Wind Farm. The number of turbines had been reduced from 18 to 16 at the site near the villages of Saxby All Saints, Horkstow and Bonby, North Lincolnshire. The decision is extremely disappointing for RWE npower renewables as so much hard work and effort had gone into ensuring the amended application included the issues previously raised by the council.

A number of activities were trialled for the first time as part of this revised application, including plans to develop a training and work experience pledge for 15 to 21 year olds who are interested in a career in the UK renewable energy sector. The pledge set out a series of training and education opportunities for students from the region's schools, colleges and universities. The key activities included site tours, residential courses to enable students to build a replica turbine to scale and learn the science behind wind energy, job shadowing and work experience placements.

RWE npower renewables also set up a Facebook account for the proposed wind farm to drum up support – over 170 people have joined and pledged their support.

A Business Breakfast Supplier event was held late 2011, organised in partnership with Renewables Network. Around 40 local firms were invited to attend and several speakers gave presentations including; Head of Onshore Development, Mike Parker talking about the investment opportunities and how local businesses could show their support and Procurement's Head of Onshore Projects, Andrew Wrightson, who gave an overview of the procurement process.

In response to the decision, Mike Parker said: "We are extremely disappointed by the council's decision and believe this is a missed opportunity for North Lincolnshire."
"The consequence of this decision is that, unfortunately, many people, businesses and schools in North Lincolnshire will now miss out. We were committed to investing around £12 million in the area, providing an annual community fund of around £180,000 and setting up a training and work experience programme. These will no longer go ahead."

"From our research we know that the vast majority of people living in North Lincolnshire are supportive of wind farms and they want to see the money they bring to the areas invested in the local community and training. It is a shame their views were not considered.”

“We are now considering our options, including a public inquiry.”

You can view some examples of the local support received for Saxby Wold by reading our newsletter (PDF | 2.8 MB) .