Thursday, 12.55pm - PLANNERS at South Kesteven District Council will argue that the fear of health problems caused by turbines was enough for them to refuse plans to build a windfarm at Thackson's Well, near Bottesford.
Sustainable energy company Infinergy was refused permission to build 10 turbines at the site in March, and lodged an appeal against the decision.
SKDC originally planned to argue that one reason for refusing the plan was the risk of vibroacoustic disease presented by the proximity of turbines to nearby homes.
But evidence conflicts over whether there is a real risk, and the council now plans to argue that the fear of health risks caused by low frequency noise will be enough for their decision to be upheld.
The outcome of recent cases suggests that the fear of health problems - even if it is not based on scientific evidence - is a material consideration when making planning decisions.
In Deeping St Nicholas, Julian and Jane Davis were given a discount on their council tax after it was agreed that their home had been devalued by the presence of a windfarm nearby.
At their hearing, Mr and Mrs Davis played tape recordings of the noise they heard in their home.
SKDC planners believe turbines should be at least one-and-a-quarter miles from homes and workplaces to prevent people from suffering vibroacoustic disease.
The appeal will be heard over eight days starting on Tuesday, September 30.
E-mail your news and views to comment@granthamjournal.co.uk
Don't forget your copy of the Grantham Journal this Friday!The full article contains 267 words and appears in Grantham Journal newspaper.
