Author: Mark Evison

The last definite news we had on the proposed Fulbeck Airfield wind turbines was back in February 2015 at Energiekontor’s exhibition at Stubton village hall. We were told then that the planning application would be submitted to South Kesteven District Council “within 6 weeks.” Since then? NOTHING….

There are several possible reasons for this delay. First and foremost, in March the RWE proposal for 5 turbines at Hough Grange (Temple Hill) was decisively turned down by the South Kesteven planners. Since this site is only a couple of miles from Fulbeck Airfield, it is likely that the same response would be given to the Energiekontor proposal. Twice the number of turbines, and potentially visible from even further away because of the lie of the land, it is extremely unlikely that the council would look more favourably on this application. Of course, it is possible that RWE will appeal; they have until September to do so. The clock is ticking…But there are other factors at work which might possibly explain the silence on both of these proposals.

The Conservatives winning the election, and achieving a parliamentary majority, is a major factor. Of all the larger parties at Westminster the Conservatives were  the only ones before the election openly stating that on–‐shore wind was too heavily subsidized. That and the general unpopularity of wind farms wherever they are proposed led the Conservatives to make a pre-election pledge to  curb onshore wind development. Of course we can’t  always trust what politicians say…

Only this time,  maybe we can! In June 2015 the Energy secretary announced the plan to implement a substantial reduction in subsidies, starting in April 2016. This will affect any proposal that does not already  have planning permission. Both the Hough Grange and Fulbeck Airfield turbines will immediately become much less attractive to the developers. At the same time, proposals to give more say to local communities to oppose unpopular schemes in their area were announced. Both RWE and Energiekontor may be seriously concerned as to whether it is worthwhile to keep trying in our area, given the extent of local opposition.

We cannot be sure that these proposals are really just going to go away; time will tell. As soon as there is anything more to report, we will let you know. For now, all we can say is “NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS”.

Celia Derbyshire, local spokesperson for VETO campaign.

Judging in the first round of this year’s competition will take

place between Monday 8^th June and Friday 26^th June. Last year, we came 4^th in our category of under 300 population, so let’s aim to improve on that. Marks are awarded for:

• Domestic (Houses, gardens, hedges, frontages) 30 marks
• Community Facilities (Village Green, bus shelter, church, village hall, verges and gutters, signs etc)           40 marks
• Commercial Premises (farms, pub)                    25 marks
• Obvious Community Effort 5 marks

Judges look for evidence of PRIDE and INVOLVEMENT

Most of the village does look very attractive, and especially the Village Green and playing field where Les is doing a brilliant job, mowing every week. Thanks also to John (Dolan) who filled in while Les was away, and the other volunteers who are keeping the churchyard looking its best.

One thing which is letting the village down is the weeds and debris in the gutters at the sides of the roads. If everyone could weed and sweep outside their own house, (as Geoff has already done on the corner of Dark Lane and Back Lane), it could soon be cleared. Please have a look around and see what you can do.

The Parish Council is very grateful to Les Chaplin who is mowing the Green and field every week, and taking away the cuttings, which we had not been able to afford to do in the last few years since Keith retired. Les is freely giving his own time, which makes it even worse that before he can mow, he has to pick up dog mess from the grass. The Parish Council is considering a Dog Control Order for the Village Green which will make it an offence for any dog to be on there. The eggs of the Toxocariasis parasite which is found in dog faeces and which can cause serious illness and even blindness, can live in the soil for many months. If anyone sees a dog out in the village without its owner, or a dog owner not cleaning up a mess, please report it to the Parish Council.

We are grateful to Tim and Jane Snipe for allowing us to use their field behind the Village Green for recreation, and we certainly don’t want to see any dogs on there where children play. It is an offence to leave dog mess in any public place – not just on pavements, but also on grass verges and public footpaths. ‘Doggy bags’ can be put in any litter bin. Please remember to keep dogs on leads in the churchyard, and on farmland where there are crops or livestock.