Wind Power News: England
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Windfarms: An ill wind of change?
Less than a week ago 106 mostly Conservative MPs wrote to the Prime Minister, urging cuts in public subsidies to UK windfarms, on the grounds that these towering turbines were neither efficient to run nor pleasing on the eye. Yet today sees the opening, in Cumbria, of the world’s biggest-ever windfarm, the switch-on to be performed by Ed Davey, the new man in charge of energy and climate change (his predecessor Chris Huhne having temporarily pulled the plug on his . . .
Controversial Palgrave wind turbine shut down
A controversial village wind turbine has been shut down while a long-term solution is found to problems with noise from the rotor blades – which neighbours say is keeping them awake at night and causing health problems. The Palgrave Community Centre committee has switched off the 24m turbine on the edge of the village playing fields after villagers in Lows Lane, the Green and Upper Rose Lane complained they could not sleep due to the “whirring” sound which was causing . . .
Saxby Wold wind turbines plan refused by councillors
Controversial plans for wind turbines in a rural area of North Lincolnshire were turned down by councillors meeting in Scunthorpe this afternoon. RWE npower renewables Ltd was refused permission to construct 16 wind turbines and associated infrastructure. The development, on land to the west of Brigg Road, Horkstow, was turned down by North Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee. The proposed site is close to the Viking Way – a major public right of way. The company has the right of appeal . . .
Mother’s plea to wind farm public inquiry
A mother asked a planning inspector to throw out applications for two wind farms as the Norfolk countryside is helping her son to adjust to life in this country. Kathy Chalk told a public inquiry into two wind farms near Stanhoe and Syderstone, that her family had recently moved to South Creake from Hong Kong and the wildlife seen on their school runs help to distract her 10-year-old son. On Friday, Mrs Chalk made an impassioned speech to inspector Robert . . .
Calls for research on wind turbines impact on Northumberland tourism
A study should be carried out into the potential impacts of the growing number of wind farms being approved in Northumberland on the county’s vital tourism industry, it is claimed. County councillor Wayne Daley says the huge importance of the visitor industry means a detailed local assessment is needed on whether tourists and their spending power will be affected by scores of huge turbines going up in the next few years. His call for local research to be commissioned on . . .
Complaints flood in over noise from offshore wind farm work
A constant banging noise from work to build Redcar’s offshore wind farm gave locals a right ear-bashing. The noisy pounding went on from mid-afternoon on Monday and didn’t stop until after 9pm the same day, prompting a flood of complaints from residents. It was all quiet yesterday, but locals were still shell-shocked from the din the day before. Now the firm behind the wind farm, EDF Energy, has apologised and pledged to try to pipe down when it can. Shocked . . .
MP calls on PM to cut wind turbine subsidies
Uttoxeter’s MP has called on the Prime Minister to cut subsidies for wind turbines which are encouraging energy companies to pursue plans for land in East Staffordshire. Andrew Griffiths is among more than 100 Conservative MPs who have written to David Cameron urging him to cut the £400 million a year subsidies. They also want planning rules changed to make it easier for local people to object to their construction. Mr Griffiths is joined by fellow Tory Bill Cash, who . . .
Burnham wind farm debate heats up as both sides announce meetings
A series of meetings regarding the controversial plans for the Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea will be held later this month by protesters and the developers of the scheme. Broadview Energy, the firm behind plans to build the four 130m tall turbines next to Rooksbridge, will be holding its own series of public exhibitions when residents will be able to view the proposals. Broadview’s exhibitions will be held on Monday 20th February in Mark Village Hall from 9.30am to 1.30pm . . .
Turbine plan rejected
An appeal has been lodged after controversial plans that could lead to eight wind turbines being put up were rejected by planners. Cherwell District Council rejected the plan for a 60-metre high wind monitoring mast north of Hanwell, near Banbury, in December. It said the plan was “intrusive”, the developer had not shown wildlife would be protected and it posed a risk to planes from Shotteswell Airfield. Energy firm Regenco wants the mast to test whether the site is suitable . . .
Community fund for windfarm locals
Developers behind the Harbourcross wind farm proposal are offering a potential community fund to those who would be affected by the development. Wind Ventures are hoping to install five wind turbines to the north east of Meddon, which are estimated to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 5,500 homes. But Ross Glover, managing director of Wind Ventures, explained that community engagement is crucial to the development, despite protests from anti-windfarm campaigners. He said: “This is why we have . . .
