Firm has its eye on Kimbolton for site of new wind farm
Another wind farm proposal — potentially involving at least 100m-high turbines — is being drawn up for Huntingdonshire’s countryside.
The Hunts Post has learned that Broadview Energy is working on a planning application to install wind turbines near Bicton Industrial Estate, on the edge of Kimbolton.
Although the process is still in the early stages, a spokesman for the company said an application could be submitted at the end of the year.
Broadview Energy said the development would not be large — the firm does not create wind farms with more than 10 turbines. Where it has planned wind farms at other sites in Britain, the turbine have all been more than 100m high — some up to 125m high.
A spokesman for the company said: “We are looking at a site close to Bicton Industrial Estate and the old airfield. Studies have shown that this is a good site to develop a wind farm.
“As a company we look at developing wind farms with fewer than 10 turbines. Our largest development is five turbines. These turbines will be far enough away from homes and businesses for people not to be disturbed by noise.
“We will work with architects to make sure the turbines fit in with the landscape as much as possible.”
Broadview representatives have been visiting businesses and residents in Kimbolton and the surrounding area to make people aware of the proposals.
A spokesman added they were “happy” with the response they received.
Councillor Jonathan Gray, who represents Kimbolton and the surrounding villages on Huntingdonshire District Council, said he was keeping an open mind about the scheme.
“I am not opposed in principle to wind farms, although I suspect that some of their claims are unrealistic and they will only ever be part of the sustainable energy solutions we need to acquire in the future,” he said.
Cllr Gray, who lives in Tilbrook, added that he was more concerned about the impact the turbines could have on the conservation area than views from his home.
He said: “These will be quite visible to me from the front of my house, stretching across the airfield, but that doesn’t concern me too much. I am more worried about the impact they may have upon the views of Kimbolton.
“With the airfield hill being a couple of hundred feet above the village, and these being significantly higher, there is the potential to significantly impact the historic views of the conservation area and in particular Kimbolton Castle.
“I would anticipate public meetings, which will help me form a view of how best to represent local opinion.”
Broadview Energy said it was planning a public consultation and the launch of a dedicated website to keep residents informed of its progress and to let people have their say.
11 June 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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