May 10, 2012
England

Chatsworth community wind farm plans submitted

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 9 May 2012

Plans for a 450-acre community wind farm on land owned by Derbyshire’s Chatsworth Estate have been submitted.

It is hoped the turbines on grain fields near the village of Scarcliffe, near Bolsover, could generate an income of up to £750,000 per year.

Roseland Community Energy Trust, which has submitted the plans, said cash raised would be used to support local organisations and groups.

The plan will now be considered by Bolsover District Council.

The trust said it had already conducted tests on the site, which is being leased from the Chatsworth Estate, and had carried out a consultation with local residents.

It said it hoped to use money generated to support new businesses, fund university places for local children and retrain unemployed people.

John Hudson, from the trust, said he was hopeful the council would reach a decision by the end of the year which would allow construction to begin in early 2013.

He said: “We know many community-based groups and organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to source adequate funding and we strongly believe that income from the proposed wind farm could provide a lifeline for them.

“We also anticipate, if successful, The Roseland Trust Community Energy Trust model could become a template for this type of community initiative and inspire similar projects throughout the UK.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/10/chatsworth-community-wind-farm-plans-submitted/