Anderby Windfarm Action Group

  Thank you Evening

On the 29th September, the Government Inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate issued his decision, following the Public Inquiry into the Anderby/Langham Windfarm, dismissing the appeal by N Power Renewables!

This was always a David versus Goliath fight on behalf of the Creek and Village, and with the backing of East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, our appointed MP Sir Peter Tapsell, AWAG's own appointed representative Mr Geoff Sinclair and the support of many. both locals and visitors, the battle was won!

AWAG have always felt that it was the right decision to oppose this application, so that our unique coastal village and creek would remain unspoiled for future generations. The outcome was achieved by the support of the many who spoke passionately at the Inquiry, attended to show support, contributed financially, supported the many fund-raising activities, gave of their time or advice or generally ‘gave voice’ where it mattered.

AWAG sincerely hope that this application can now be put behind us, and that our village and creek can get back to normality once again, without the threat of N Power hanging over our heads.

In appreciation AWAG, we will be holding a ‘Thank You Evening’ on Thursday, 13th October, in Anderby Village Hall, at 7 pm, when we would be delighted if you would come along and join us to share a glass of wine and nibbles.

To help with catering numbers could you please indicate if you are able to attend by telephoning Julia on 01507 490224, by no later than Tuesday, 11th October, with your names.

  Inquiry decision made

  Inquiry completed

  Media statement from the Chairman - 28th July 2011

  Inquiry Timetable changes

  Inquiry Closing Day - Friday 15th July 2011

  Inquiry Timetable changes

  4th July - BLIMP DAY

  PLANNING INQUIRY - FROM 28th JUNE

  FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN JUNE

Owing to the atrocious weather and transport disruption the Inspector today (Thursday 2nd December) has adjourned the Inquiry to a future date and another venue.

We expect that it will be held in the New Year and we hope that it will be held in our newly-refurbished Anderby Village Hall

  ANDERBY IS SPECIAL

  D DAY HAS ARRIVED

The Public Inquiry into the proposed Anderby/Langham Windfarm is due to commence on Tuesday 30th November, at 10am. The good news is that AWAG have campaigned to have the Inquiry held locally, to enable as many members of the public to have the opportunity to attend and listen to the arguments of all the parties. It has therefore been arranged to hold the Inquiry at Hogsthorpe Village Hall. An evening session is being considered for local residents on Thursday, December 2nd.

The parties to the proceedings will be ELDC, N Power and AWAG. ELDC will be opposing the application and will be represented at the Inquiry by a Barrister, as will N Power. AWAG will be represented by Mr Geoffrey Sinclair, a Planning and Landscape Expert, who is highly experienced and has taken part in over 80 wind farm Inquiries.

AWAG have received tremendous support from Anderby Village and Creek residents, as well as the many visitors and holidaymakers to the area, both with regard to expressing your strong objections to the application, and your support in fund raising. Your help will allow AWAG to represent your views and for this we thank you. We will do our utmost to put the views of opposition you have expressed to the Inspector, and hope that at the end of the Inquiry, he will agree with our view and that of ELDC that this on-shore wind farm is totally inappropriate in our rural village and creek. Surely sanity will prevail.

We hope that as many of you as possible will attend the Inquiry to show your continued support over the 5 day hearing, and a time-table will be available shortly, which will outline the details of speakers, topics and timings. This is an extremely important Inquiry for our community - one which could change the landscape of our village and Creek forever!

On a sad note, we have to advise you that a written allegation has been made by Mr Larry Kelly to the Government Inspector's Office, purporting to be on behalf of the "Anderby Residents Association" alleging that "a lot" of your objections, which you submitted to ELDC were obtained by "undue pressure". AWAG totally refute this allegation.

Clearly if Mr Kelly, as Secretary of this association, claims to represent the views of the residents of the village and the Creek, then a formal meeting of all residents must have been called to establish those views.

AWAG are not aware that any such public meeting of residents concerning the proposed wind farm has ever been held by Mr Kelly, so we are totally bewildered as to how he can purport to represent the views of " Anderby residents". However, we live in a democracy, where we are all entitled to hold our own views on any matter and we are sure that if Mr Kelly believes he represents the views of the residents, he will be attending the Inquiry to put forward those views, whatever they are, when he can give details of the individuals he is representing and substantiate the allegation he has made.

If you are a member of the purported residents association and feel that in any way you have somehow felt pressurised into submitting an objection to the wind farm application to ELDC, then we would ask you to contact us immediately.

For up to date details of the Inquiry and contact details, please visit the AWAG website at www.awag.org or telephone 01507 490224.

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BLUEBELL FARM FUND-RAISER A GREAT SUCCESS!

BLUEBELL Farm was the location for the AWAG Boot Sale and Show and Shine Fundraiser on Saturday 25th September.

Despite the windy conditions, many turned out for the event, and together with donations, a total sum of £808.10 was raised on the day. AWAG would like to send a massive thank you to everyone who supported the event, whether by booking a pitch, manning AWAG stalls, or donating items and cakes for sale. A special "Thank You" must go to Gill and Graham of Bluebell Farm, who kindly agreed to allow use of their fields and facilities for the event and for Gill's optimism that the weather would hold out! Also to Andrew Harris for his expert Turning of the trophies awarded to "Show and Shine" winners.

To date, from the generosity of its supporters in the village and Creek, AWAG have raised the sum of £3677.95 towards the cost of representation at the Public Inquiry to be held in November, when the Inspector will make a decision on the Appeal of N Power Renewables.

Unfortunately, we are still falling short of funds, and any donations, however small or large would be welcomed. Details of how you can donate can be found below, or by contacting the Treasurer, Andrew Kingham at Martell Cottage, Sea Road, Anderby. At a recent public meeting at The Creek Café, Andrew explained that if 50 households in the village and Creek could contribute £60 over three months, prior to the enquiry, AWAG would have sufficient funds to pay for representation! Since that meeting some generous donations have been received, but we are still falling short of our target of £6,500.00.

AWAG will be having stalls at the Creek Charity Market in October, together with a possible "Turbine Burning" night on November 5th. Further events are being planned prior to the Inquiry, and fund-raising will continue until we have sufficient money to allow "our voices to be heard".

If you have any fund-raising ideas you could suggest, or could possibly hold your own event such as a small coffee morning, please contact Julie on 01507 490224.

  FIGHTING FUND APPEAL

Dozens of residents attended an AWAG meeting held at the Creek Cafe (by kind permission of the owners) on the afternoon of Saturday 11th September.

Chairman Maurice McGrath opened the meeting and summarised the current status of the Wind farm planning application. Even though East Lindsey District Councillors voted unanimously against this industrial development, the developer, nPower have Appealed and there will be a Public Enquiry heard by an Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate, possibly as soon as the end of November.

The Treasurer, Andrew Kingham then spoke. He told the meeting that ELDC are appointing their own Barrister to represent the council against nPower. Andrew said that the AWAG Committee felt that it was very important that the Inspector heard evidence from a truly local perspective as well. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all involved, AWAG will be unable to raise the £30,000+ necessary for a Barrister. However, the Committee have appointed a planning/landscape specialist, Geoffrey Sinclair, who is experienced both in Representation and being an Expert Witness in numerous Windfarm appeals.

Long hours and hard work by the Committee and many other volunteers, plus the overwhelming support of both residents and visitors alike, has resulted in the raising of approximately £3,000 so far this year and the balance currently stands at roughly £2,500. The Consultant will cost approximately £6,000 - so AWAG needs to raise at least £3,000 within the next 2 or 3 months!

Mr Kingham said that if just 50 households were to donate £20 for each of the next 3 months, then the money will be there.

We have prepared a special Standing order form that we would ask you to fill in and send to your Bank. It already includes the AWAG Bank details and, for peace of mind, it states that the arrangement is for the next 3 months only.
Please click here for the Standing order form in Microsoft Word format.

CREEK CAFE at 4.30pm on Saturday 11th September

As you are already aware, round one with the fight against N Power Renewables application for the wind-farm has been won, having convinced East Lindsey Councillors to unanimously vote against the proposal. However, round two will shortly be upon us, as N Power lodged an appeal, which will be decided by the Planning Inspectorate, at an Inquiry which will likely be held in November, lasting a week.

East Lindsey District Council will be represented by a Barrister at the hearing, representing the planning department, but the AWAG committee strongly feel that we too need to be represented, putting the voice and objections of the community to the Planning Inspector and letting him know that we, as residents/visitors, do not want this wind farm in Anderby. Remember, the Planning Inspector will know nothing about our area and the impact it will have on our rural village and Anderby Creek described as "a coastal gem".

Despite all the hard work of the Committee and the tremendous help and support of many local residents and visitors, it will be impossible for AWAG to afford the £30,000+ needed for our own barrister. We have therefore approached an experienced land/planning consultant who has helped at many other Wind farm appeals throughout the country, who will charge significantly less for his expertise.

With this in mind, we need to update you on what needs to be done in preparation for the appeal. We will need individuals to speak against the application at the hearing, which is our right, and those of you with businesses who feel they will be negatively affected by the wind-farm should let us know, so that your views can be represented. We also need to organise further fund-raising events.

We do not want to stumble at the last hurdle, so we need everyone's help and input. With this in mind, we are arranging a short public meeting, when we would like you all to attend to hear the latest update and what we need to do next. Please come along to the CREEK CAFE at 4.30pm on Saturday 11th September. We need your continued support!!

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 Finally, Bluebell Farm, Anderby Village are hosting a car boot sale for AWAG on Saturday 25th September. Please look through your homes and let us have any items which we can sell, on behalf of AWAG, or if you want your own stall on the day, contact Julie on 01507 490224, or Sharon on 01507 490577 to book your pitch.

AWAG IMPORTANT UPDATE

As most if you will know Npower have already lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate who will now deal with the application and make a decision. If you wish to make further comments to the Planning Inspectorate please note you can write or e-mail (see below)
The appeal details which must be included are:-
N/005/02812/06, APP/D2510/A/10/2130539/NWF
Mrs Terry Scott, Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/20 Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN
e-mail : terry.scott@pins.gsi.gov.uk
Representations must be received by Monday 16th August.

AWAG NEWS UPDATE

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who supported AWAG at ELDC Offices, Tedder Hall, Manby, on Thursday 19th July 2010, when the Councillors of the Planning Committee unanimously followed the recommendation of the Planning Officer, Michelle Walker, to confirm refusal of the application of N Power Renewables, for the wind farm at Anderby. Over 700 objections to the proposal have now been lodged, with three petitions registered.

Over 70 people attended the planning meeting to hear Councillors make very strong representations to the committee chairman, with regard to their objections to the application, and AWAG Treasurer, Andrew Kingham, represented objectors, with an excellent 3 minute presentation of the points on which we strongly object.

This is the first hurdle overcome in the fight against the wind farm. As many of you will know and have been notified, N Power have already lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, who will now deal with the application and make a decision. The Planning Inspector appointed will undoubtedly not know Anderby and Anderby Creek, so it is important that we strongly put over at the Appeal, our objections to the application and the impact this wind farm will have on such an idyllic and unspoilt coastal area. The Appeal is obviously not an ideal scenario to the ELDC decision, but at least we now have the backing of our local Council/Councillors, Lincolnshire County Council, all local Parish Councils and importantly our local MP, Sir Peter Tapsell, who are collectively objecting to the application.

AWAG will be meeting shortly to discuss what procedures must be put in place, and what steps need to be taken to fight the appeal of N Power, and we will keep you advised of developments.

In the meantime of course, AWAG will continue to need to raise funds to fight the appeal, as it will be necessary to obtain expert reports and be represented at the Appeal hearing in due course.

We hope you will continue to support our fund-raising events, and if you can think of ways to raising funds independently, donations to AWAG would be gratefully received. Even the smallest amount, maybe by a local coffee morning, could raise a few pounds for the fighting fund. At the moment of course, AWAG have the disadvantage of not being in a position to hire the village hall, which is "out of action" until late November, so suggestions of ways to raise cash would be welcomed.

Finally, on Sunday August 15th, (Weather Permitting), The Old Post House, Anderby, will open it gates and garden for cream teas, between 11am-4pm. So please come along with your family and friends to support the event.