PROTESTORS against wind farms in the Horncastle area have flown a blimp to show how high proposed turbines would be.

BWAG (Baumber Windfarm Action Group), formed to fight against wind farms ruining the natural countryside, are opposing plans to build eight 125 metre-high turbines near Baumber.

And as a result, the group held a Blimp Day on Saturday in which they flew a blimp at the same height of a turbine.

BWAG group chairman Melvin Grosvenor said many people turned out to show their support.

He added: "Many local people have contacted Baumber Windfarm Action Group to express dismay that a formal planning application has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council by Enertrag UK.

"All have deep concerns that such plans, if passed, would allow not only the industrialisation of the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but that it would inevitably open up the whole vale of Lincoln to similar speculators.

"BWAG supports appropriate and sustainable renewable energy projects that contribute to, rather than harm, our local communities. However, the group rejects the devastating, ill-conceived and wholly inappropriate plan to build eight massive 125 metre high turbines in some of our most beautiful countryside and communities whose lives would be badly affected for decades to come. All in an area that remains unspoiled has no industrialisation of note.

"BWAG and its supporters believe that such an attempt to radically change the landscape and living standards of those nearby would be affected by the lengthy and disruptive construction, operating noise, shadow flicker, a huge loss of amenity and possible loss in the value of their homes."

East Enertrag UK submitted a planning application for a windfarm at Baumber, near Horncastle, to East Lindsey District Council on May 13.

East Lindsey District Council spokesman James Gilbert said: "There is a clear process set out for dealing with all planning applications and that the council will now follow.

"Over the next few weeks, the council's planning team will review the information submitted as part of the application. Once the review is complete the council will decide whether the information is sufficient and accurate enough for the application to be formally registered.

"If it can't be registered it will go back to the applicant who will then be able to amend it."

Once registered , the council will carry out extensive public consultation and all of the information included with the application will be available to view on the council's website.

Anyone with any interest in the application is encouraged to be fully involved when consultation starts.

For more information on BWAG log on to www.bwag.co.uk.

Protestors The blimp can be seen flying (inset), behind some of the BWAG supporters who attended the Blimp Day event. (Picture: John Aron)