New bid to build wind turbine at QEH
A green energy firm is launching a fresh bid to build a wind turbine in the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Ecotricity wants to build an 80m turbine outside the QElH so it can become the country’s first public sector organisation to generate its own power.
The application was turned down in April because of fears it would interfere with the air traffic control radar at nearby RAF Marham and affect the flight path of the air ambulance.
The air ambulance issue has since been resolved and Ecotricity’s managing director Dale Vince said the remaining objection from the MoD could also be overcome.
Mr Vince criticised the decision made by West Norfolk council’s development control board and said he was confident the government would overturn it.
“We are taking this project to appeal and are confident that the only objection currently raised against it can be resolved,” he said.
“It is a shameful waste of time and money but sadly it’s an all too common example of a planning process not fit for purpose.
“Local authorities routinely abdicate from the decision making process, refusing applications on unjustified and spurious grounds, making little attempt to understand the issues and resolve conflicts.
“The public sector should be leading the way in the fight against climate change and the biggest step that can actually be taken in that regard is to change where electricity comes from.”
A spokesman for Defence Estates said: “The MoD has maintained its objection due to the anticipated interference which the turbine might cause to the radar at RAF Marham. The MoD is currently undertaking further technical assessments to review any potential means of mitigation.”
A council spokesman said she could not comment on an ongoing appeal.
Hospital chiefs have entered into an agreement with Ecotricity to buy the electricity generated by the proposed turbine which would be built at the company’s expense.
The power output equivalent to the usage of 590 average homes would be connected directly to the building’s grid and make up about 18pc of the hospital’s annual consumption.
Barbara Cummings, director of performance and informatics at the QEH, said: “We are hoping for a positive outcome from this appeal for two reasons.
“First, we are very proud of our achievements so far in reducing our carbon footprint and a wind turbine would enable us to take this policy further. Second, a wind turbine will allow us to make savings on our energy bill and every penny we can save is a penny more available for patient care.”
17 November 2008
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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