February 21, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Wind turbines could be built next door to Peterborough’s Flag Fen ““ one of Europe’s most important Bronze Age sites.
Anglian Water is consulting on plans to put up four turbines on its sewage works site in Third Drove, Fengate, which is a quarter of a mile from ancient remains at Flag Fen.
The turbines would be 80 metres high and the blades 45 metres long, making it an instantly recognisable symbol across the flat Fenland landscape.
While Flag Fen’s general manager Georgia Butters admits that four giant turbines don’t exactly sit with the centre’s aim to give visitors an authentic Bronze Age experience, she has agreed to compromise -““ for the sake of the environment.
The energy generated from the wind turbines will be used to power the sewage works, as part of Anglian Water’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Today, Anglian Water spokesman Dan Baker said: “Some eyebrows were raised about building such an iconic symbol of modern prosperity next to a Bronze Age site. But most people agree that something needs to be done to tackle climate change.”
Ms Butters welcomed the open approach of Anglian Water and Belfast-based TCI Renewables who have consulted with representatives from Flag Fen from the start.
She said: “There were concerns about the scale, how many and how close they would be to our key archaeological area. They will make sure there is a 50-metre exclusion zone around it.
“There was an aesthetic issue, but we understand that the effects of climate change is a far bigger issue.”
Principal town planner for TCI Renewables Darren Burbeary said the company will liaise with Peterborough City Council, parish councils in Eye and Thorney and Whittlesey Town Council. Only after full consultation will planning permission then be sought.
Exhibitions on Anglian Water’s proposals will be held at Central Library on March 31, between 9am and 5pm, and at Flag Fen, on April 1, between 10am and 4pm.
19 February 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/02/21/four-turbines-next-to-flag-fen/