Sir Edward Leigh MP has welcomed the Minister for Local Government’s announcement that the Caistor wind turbine appeal has been called in for the Secretary of State’s determination.

The Conservative Member of Parliament, whose Gainsborough constituency covers Caistor, had personally requested that Secretary of State Greg Clark MP decide on EDP Renewables’ appeal against the district council’s rejection of a 102-metre-high wind turbine proposed for a site on Moor Lane next to the Caistor Equestrian Centre.

The planning committee of West Lindsey District Council had determined that the turbine would result in ‘unacceptable’ harm to the setting of Caistor Conservation Area and that it would have a detrimental visual impact upon the views and setting of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sir Edward said:

“I’m pleased the ministerial team at the Department for Communities and Local Government have accepted my request that this be decided by the Secretary of State and not the Planning Inspectorate”

“We are firm believers in local decision-making, and I remain very hopeful that Greg Clark will back the decisions wisely made by West Lindsey District Council. Local residents are very much opposed to this development, and it’s our responsibility to back up their voices.”