Telephone poll gains 77% local support for South Holland wind proposal

A survey conducted by independent pollsters Populus indicates that more than three quarters of residents in part of South Holland in Lincolnshire would like wind turbines near their homes.

The poll which was commissioned by RES Renewabales says 77 per cent of people favour putting onshore turbines in their "local area".

RES has plans to construct a seven turbine wind farm near Tydd St Mary and states that dissenting voices have always been in a minority. The poll was commissioned to prove the "great support" behind the project.

Project leader Helen Hall said: "In common with any new significant proposal, there has been a small number of people making statements against the project.

"This survey should reassure the council that the majority of local people are in favour of a wind farm."

The plans will come before South Holland District Council on 6 January - with officers recommending that members of the development control committee approve the scheme.

South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes is opposed to the plans and has presented a 353-name petition against the turbines planned for Grange Farm, in between Tydd St Mary and Long Sutton, to the council. The MP claims people would feel differently if the turbines were to be built close to their own homes.

Populus interviewed 1,000 people in the area by telephone in the area between 14 and 18 October 2009.