March 22, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
E.ON UK’s plans to build a GBP40 million wind farm in Midlothian, Scotland, are reportedly under threat after councilors in the region approved plans to crack down on the proposed number and size of the turbines, according to the Edinburgh Evening News. Meanwhile, as reported in the Yorkshire Post, the utility is holding a public meeting to try to counter adverse public opinion threatening its wind farm plans for Blackstone Edge, Penistone.
According to the Edinburgh Evening News, the UK subsidiary of German utility E.ON was planning to build 18 wind turbines in Midlothian, each with a maximum height of 102 meters. Public outcry ensued, however, as the proposed site is the Auchencorth Moss beauty spot near Penicuik.
The regional publication commented that, although the site would have generated enough power for 22,000 homes, 2,337 objections had been voiced, prompting the Midlothian Council and Scottish National Heritage to interject and commission a study on the impact the wind farm would have on the area.
According to The Edinburgh Evening News, the study concluded that there is no appropriate site in Midlothian for a wind turbine over 30 meters and that no more than five of the turbines should be situated in one place.
The news provider commented that E.ON remained in support of its plans, and cited a company spokeswoman as saying: “We still believe our development is appropriate for this site and believe in the benefits of clean, green energy creation.”
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Post has reported that E.ON UK is to hold a public meeting to discuss its plans to build three turbines near Penistone, as, although the local council has approved the scheme, local opinion is not in support of the utility’s plans.
E.ON UK will be looking to persuade the local community of the benefits of its proposal, which the utility claims could produce enough power to run 3,800 homes. The company faces opposition, however, as, according to the Yorkshire Post, the local community believes wind to be an unreliable source of power, and is concerned about the visual impact of the turbines.
By Clare Watson
22 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/22/eon-uk-wind-farm-plans-reportedly-under-threat/