April 8, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
A renewable energy firm has apologised this week after it was found to be in breach of planning conditions following the construction of an anemometer.
Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which has submitted proposals to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to build a wind farm at Rotsea, near Cranswick, were found to be in breach of planning conditions for the construction of an 80 metre tall wind management mast on the site.
Approval for the structure was granted on the condition that reflective strips were fixed to the guy ropes to stop birds living in the area from flying into it.
RES said they are now working on fixing the error and will install the reflectors at the earliest possible opportunity.
Amy Hinks, the wind farm local communications officer, said: “RES would like to apologise profusely for this oversight.
“We have been in discussions with East Riding Council about rectifying this situation, and we have been liaising with our contractors with regards to installing the reflectors in the correct places at the earliest opportunity.”
The Wolds Windfarm Opposition Group alerted the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to the mistake and said the error had raised concerns for the wildlife living at the nearby Tophill Low, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Spokesperson for WWFO, Martin Bailey, said: “It is quite shocking to find that RES have flouted this important planning condition and reinforces our view that concern for the local environment, and in particular the many species of bird in this area, are secondary to preoccupation with profit.
From our point of view this typefies the way these developers carry on.”
Planning permission to erect the anemometer was granted provided reflective strips were fitted onto the guy ropes, which extend to a 50 metre radius, to stop birds hitting them.
Case officer Hannah Coldwell at ERYC wrote to the company to confirm the approval of the application on land west of Rotsea Farm on Rotsea Lane, stating:
“No construction shall commence until details of reflective strips to be used on all guy ropes are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
“This condition is imposed to protect bird conservation interests due to the proximity of the site to SSSI Tophill Low, in accordance with advice from the RSPB.”
4 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/08/firm-apologises-in-windfarm-row/