Protesters in cash bid for Baumber wind farm inquiry

Campaigners opposed to plans for a windfarm in Lincolnshire are trying to raise £35,000 for legal representation at a public inquiry.

Enertrag UK wants to build eight wind turbines on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The proposed turbines will go on a site at Baumber near Horncastle.

The inquiry was announced after East Lindsey District Council failed to make a decision on the application within the statutory 16-week period.

The council had said it needed more time to consider the issue but Enertrag UK lodged an appeal in response.

At a special meeting in February councillors said, on the advice of officers, they would have rejected the plans.

The proposed turbines would stand 85m (278ft) high to the hub with rotors about 90m (295ft) in diameter.

Melvin Grosvenor, chairman of The Baumber Windfarm Action Group, said they wanted to ensure the energy company listened to local opinion.

"Surely there must be some areas of the county which need to be preserved for the benefit of all of us," he said.

"We can't just keep plastering the countryside with wind turbines.

"It's a long-standing cherished landscape.

"There are many, many places where turbines can go, off-shore is a very good place but we need to have a balanced argument."

Enertrag UK maintains around 70% of the UK public "are in favour of renewable energy and are behind the development of wind power".