Citizens defend themselves: wind power opponents call for a lawyer for Lichtenau!

Citizens defend themselves: wind power opponents call for a lawyer for Lichtenau!

Hessisch-Lichtenau is experiencing resistance to planned wind turbines

In the small community of Hessisch-Lichtenau, there is resistance to a municipal plan to build wind turbines on the Eisberg, a 583 meter high hill south of Reichenbach. According to a recent meeting of the local council, the members and the majority of the 225 residents of the district reject this project. The mayor Kai Ludolph emphasizes that undisturbed development of the adjacent forest in the Stölzinger Mountains is desirable.

The plans envisage building wind power plants in the ESW 32 priority area, which was defined in the Kassel regional council's energy sub-regional plan. Citizens' concerns are diverse, ranging from the potential risks to the source of drinking water to a possible decline in tourism in the area.

Environmental concerns

The concerns raised by the local advisory board primarily concern the local flora and fauna. According to a report, there are fears that the construction of the wind turbines could have a negative impact on endangered species. In addition, the feared impairment of the adjacent nature conservation and FFH areas, i.e. areas of community importance, is causing great excitement among residents.

Another key issue is anxiety about property values. With the possibility of a decline in real estate prices, many citizens are alarmed. They also fear disturbances at night due to noise and light emissions that could result from the planned wind turbines.

Economic aspects

The economic prospects of the project were also critically examined. The plans from 2014 envisaged income of up to 75,000 euros per year, which is not enough for the municipality to cover an existing budget deficit. Mayor Dirk Oetzel predicts that the annual deficit will be two million euros from 2025. The local advisory board agrees that this financial contribution should be viewed as a “drop in the ocean”.

Joint resistance and legal action

The resistance is supported by various local actors, including the superior of the Marienheide monastery, Sister Theanna, as well as hunting tenants and agricultural businesses. They have made statements to fight against the wind turbines. Mayor Ludolph expresses his willingness to take legal action to stop the project.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop further. The local council has clearly signaled that the concerns are being taken seriously and that the residents support their concerns. For the future of the natural area, implementing the plans would be a massive intervention that many reject as unavoidable. The discussion about the wind turbines on the iceberg will continue to occupy Joachim Ludolph and the members of the local advisory board. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on www.hna.de be read.