October 31, 2006
U.K.

Windfarm plan to go on show

The company behind controversial plans to build a windfarm near Wardle are to give local residents a glimpse of their proposals at two exhibitions next week.

Renewable energy firm Coronation Power hopes to build about 11 turbines at Crook Hill near Watergrove reservoir, but its proposals have been met with resistance from groups such as the Wardle Society and the Open Spaces Society.

A 60m high test mast has already been erected at the site.

The exhibitions will include a virtual reality tour of the proposed development and Coronation Power staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Community relations manager Charley Rattan said: “We are keen for people to visit our exhibitions so they know the facts about our scheme and have the opportunity to comment on our plans before we finalise our planning applications.

“We regard the exhibitions as a key part of our commitment to share our plans with local communities. They will help address any misconceptions people might have as well as encourage supporters of renewable energy to express their enthusiasm for our schemes.”

Jane Rickards of Wardle says Coronation Power is just paying lip service to the idea of public consultation.

She added: “They gave a presentation to the Wardle Society and people were not terribly keen on the idea.

“It seems to me to be an attempt to infer there is more support for the farm than there actually is.

“But I will be going along and it will be interesting to see how they deal with people’s concerns because there are a lot of questions still to be answered about access routes and about the fact part of Crook Hill is a site of special scientific interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

The exhibitions take place at the Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough, on Thursday 9 November from noon-7pm and Friday 10 November from 10am – 2.45pm.

By Damon Wilkinson
First published by the Rochdale Observer

rochdaleobserver.co.uk


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/10/31/windfarm-plan-to-go-on-show/