The proposed wind farm at the former RAF Fulbeck airfield was refused planning permission by South Kesteven District Council in March 2017. The application, submitted by EnergieKontor UK Ltd, was for ten wind turbines, each 110 meters high. Here’s a summary of the key reasons for the refusal and the context:
Main Reasons for Refusal
- Impact on Landscape and Heritage
- The council cited the potentially adverse visual and physical impact on the rural landscape and the settings of numerous “high grade” heritage assets in the area. The turbines were considered to significantly alter the character of the countryside and affect views of historic sites.
- Air Safety Concerns
- There were objections from the nearby RAF base regarding radar interference. The original turbine height was reduced from 126m to 110m in response to these concerns, but issues remained about the impact on aircraft radar and air safety. [barnbyinth…illows.com]
- Local and National Policy
- The council referenced a Written Ministerial Statement (June 2015) stating that wind energy developments should only be in areas identified as suitable in local plans and must have the backing of local people. The Fulbeck proposal did not meet these criteria, especially given strong local opposition. [lincolnshi…eworld.com]
- Community Opposition
- There was overwhelming opposition from local residents and parish councils, including Stubton. Community groups like reVOLT and VETO campaigned against the project, emphasizing the area’s support for other renewables (solar and biomass) but not for industrial-scale wind turbines in this location. [lincsonline.co.uk]
Outcome
- The developer, EnergieKontor, was given six months to appeal but ultimately decided not to challenge the refusal. The project is now considered cancelled, and the rural landscape around Fulbeck has been conserved.
Additional Context
- The Fulbeck wind farm proposal followed a similar, nearby project at Temple Hill, which was also refused for comparable reasons.
- The local community’s stance was not against renewables in general but specifically against the scale and location of this wind farm.
