AN energy developer believes its proposed wind farm in Baumber is for the "greater good" despite recognising it will affect a nearby group of villages.

Plans for an eight-turbine development have been officially validated by East Lindsey District Council and are now open for public consultation.

The turbines could power up to 8,000 homes and will be scattered across fields between Baumber and Wispington with each one measuring up to 125 metres in height.

Developer Enertrag UK expects a decision on the project by November and has spent recent months collecting wind data from a 'scoping pole' based at the site.

Project agent David Linley said the current research proved it was the right area for a wind farm.

He said: "It has been giving good information and we would have no issues with a wind farm on that elevation.

"Wind speed is dependent on open countryside and elevation.

"The site is an excellent position for a wind farm."

Enertrag UK's application accepts Baumber, Minting, Wispington and Edlington will be affected by any development, but Mr Linley said steps would be taken to limit this.

He also rejected suggestions the project would impact on the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated just a few miles from the proposed site.

Mr Linley said: "Being a machine that is nearly 400ft high, we cannot really hide it, especially in this part of the countryside.

"It's pretty flat. There will be a certain number of properties affected.

"There has to be a balance – we have got to increase the renewable energy commitment in the UK.

"You are not going to please 100 per cent of the people all the time.

"But it's for the greater good. There are more people that will benefit than suffer."

Baumber Wind Farm Action Group chairman Melvin Grosvenor alleged the project would fail to solve the UK's need for renewable energy.

He said: "We don't know how much power will be produced on a regular basis.

"Eight turbines here will have a negligible impact for the greater good, but for the area it will change the landscape for decades."