A PROPOSED windfarm will cause “substantial harm” to several listed buildings and conservation areas, according to a new report.
East Lindsey conservation officer Robert Walker fears Newton Marsh windfarm, at Bishopthorpe Farm, Tetney, would have a detrimental impact on the view of Haile Sand Fort, among other landmarks.
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Concerned: Chairman of Humberston Parish Council Harry Hall and local ward Councillor John Fenty are worried about the impact of a windfarm in a conservation area. Inset, Humberston Manor, bottom, and St Peter’s Church. Picture: Abby Ruston
His report also highlights Humberston Conservation Area, which includes the historic St Peter’s Church, and the grade II-listed Manor Farmhouse and ice house, and stables.
Councillors have welcomed the report, which states applicants ASC Renewables “ignored several obvious and sensitive heritage assets and viewpoints”.
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Mr Walker has raised concerns about how these sites are experienced, in particular the view of the First World War Haile Sand Fort and the Second World War pill boxes which survive along Tetney Marshes Nature Reserve.
He wrote: “In such a bleak environment, imaging troops on duty and not knowing what the future held adds to the significance of the setting.
“This is the last stretch of the estuary where you can experience this period of history so vividly. The experience will be quite different to the sound and flicker of eight rotating wind turbines at 115 metres high.”
The turbines will also be seen from St Peter’s Church and Manor Farmhouse, which concerns Mr Walker and North East Lincolnshire Council’s conservation officer Liz Mayle.
The Manor was built on the site of the original Humberston Abbey, founded in the reign of King Henry II, on land overlooking Tetney marshes – close to where the turbines will be built.
NELC Councillor John Fenty said: “These areas are part of our village’s heritage. We appreciate alternative energy sources are needed, but that shouldn’t be to the detriment of these wonderful, historical areas.”
Humberston Parish Council chairman Harry Hall said: “Village conservation areas are no-go areas for windfarms. Not only will it spoil them, it will affect tourism into the village and Cleethorpes.”
Chairman of Tetney Parish Council Blair Maynard added: “If these turbines get permission it is going to be terrible.”
English Heritage has made no objections to the proposal, for which ASC operations director Mike Denny said there had been “rigorous” assessments.
He said: “We will be directly addressing ELDC conservation officer’s views in due course.”