Turbines threaten rare birds
THE RSPB has raised "serious concerns" about the Flixbrough Grange windfarm development, revealing rare birds live in the area of the proposed development.
A pond in the north of the site has been the home of marsh harriers and bitterns since at least 2005, research by the bird charity as shown.
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Developer Ridge Wind says it had considered the impact of its development at Flixbrough Grange.
But developer Ridge Wind said it had considered the environmental impact of its development and was sure there would be no damage caused by the windfarm.
Ridge Wind spokesman Ben Moore said: "We are in agreement with the RSPB and we intend to fulfil their suggested condition.
"I don't think we are disagreeing with them. The consultation and ecological study still stands in our mind.
"The RSPB letter is not an objection. It's asking for a planning condition we have already agreed to."
In the letter to North Lincolnshire Council planning chief Mike Welton, RSPB conservation chief Gillian Flint said: "We consider the proposed site to be an important area for qualifying birds species and assemblages of the Humber Estuary Special Protection Area and have serious concerns about the proposed developments.
"In particular, RSPB records show booming bitterns using the pond area to be north of the site in 2005 and last year.
"We understand the nearest proposed turbine is about 0.8km from this area and do not consider turbines should be located any closer than this to minimise potential impact on the bitterns.
"We consider post construction monitoring, assuming approval for the proposal is granted, should be made a planning condition of the proposal.
"While individual windfarms may not have a significant impact on birds, taken together, the impacts of collision, loss of habitat, disruption flightlines and displacement from feeding sites could become significant."
Campaign group Burton Against Turbines has claimed the RSPB intervention could be vital in scrutiny of the application, which has already been thrown out once by North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee.
Campaigner Paul Fowler said: "RSPB records show that both marsh harriers and bitterns were using the pond and its reeds to the south as early as 2005, yet Ridge Wind's ecology expert, who surveyed this exact same area consistently, said there was no evidence of these birds.
"This has now compromised the original application, as the planning officer included in his report a recommendation any of the turbines could be sited 50m in any direction from original proposed positions depending on ground conditions.
"This would go against the RSPB's advice regarding the bittern."
9 Comments
by Gordon, Turbine Alley
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 1:57AM
“Anything that Ridgewind's consultants say should be treated with caution.
One of them told a planning committee in Northumberland, that Ridgewind' s Wandylaw proposal would have a 40% load factor.
NPower, on a site immediately next to the Ridgewind one, were claiming a LF of 27.3% (and this was thought to be optimistic).
These people think they can lie to decision makers with impunity.
They can: the Wandylaw proposal was consented on appeal!”
by Mr Darwin, HMS Beadle
Monday, June 29 2009, 4:47PM
“¿ Disillusioned newcomer started well but must have dropped their thesaurus, as it all went a bit wrong towards the end.
¿ Jane, in Wales is deluding herself that where she lives is better that glorious Scunny. I think there is actually little to choose between them, but at least Humberside has electricity.”
by Phil turner, Brigg
Monday, June 29 2009, 3:36PM
“I suppose the birds will suffer around this site but maybe they will enjoy a better future somewhere else now we are giving greener energy a go. The windfarms don't look that bad and we all use electric - it's the way forward. I'm sure the birds will get used to them. They are not as daft as us!!!!”
by Disillusioned newcomer, Fantastic North Lincs!!??
Monday, June 29 2009, 2:54PM
“Jane, Ditto, but a positive outcome for the unwise and unwary who are at least forewarned of the parochial calibre of this area, and the risk and pitfalls for those considering relocating and entrusting their assets, fortunes and quality of life in the hands of such attitudes and moreso, its local officilas and services.”
by Jane, Wales
Monday, June 29 2009, 1:53PM
“What a sad and true reflection some of the comments posted on stories such as this have on the people and reputation of Scunthorpe.
I wonder if the people who post them realise they are viewed from people all over the world who like me must be so grateful they don't live in Scunthorpe!”
by Billy-no-mates, In campervan
Monday, June 29 2009, 1:23PM
“It just goes to how some people havnt got anything better to do.”
by person, off the grid
Monday, June 29 2009, 12:17PM
“I like them - they make the horizon more interesting.”
by Charles D., HMS Beagle
Monday, June 29 2009, 11:50AM
“If these birds are so stupid they get chopped up - then surely that is just Darwinism at work.
By killing-off the thick ones, the species improves.”
by me, on the trail
Monday, June 29 2009, 8:13AM
“Why the campainers do not enlist the help of the local MP.
Oops I forgot they do not have one that has any creditabity left and is under investigation by the fraud squad. If there is any justice left in this country then he will be behind bars shortly and I do not mean the GEORGE as if he would show his gace there.”