February 26, 2008
England
England
Tesco wants to put Lynn’s first wind turbine on the car park of its Hardwick Road store and have it generating power by the end of the year.
It has applied to West Norfolk Council to build a 108ft-high turbine, capable of producing enough electricity for 80 houses a year, to provide power for its store for the next 25 years.
A report to the council’s development control board, which meets on Monday, recommends approval for the scheme because of “the clear and undisputed need for more renewable energy sources”.
It says the site, parallel to Hardwick Road, will take up four parking spaces. It was chosen because it benefits from south-westerly winds.
“The proposal will provide on-site energy from a renewable source. It will also act as a landmark for the area,” the report says.
“It is stated that the proposal is of benefit to the environment while simultaneously reducing energy costs for Tesco. All energy produced is exclusively for the store.”
The council has had only one letter of concern about the scheme, from Lynn’s Bridge Street Residents’ Association.
It fears a precedent could be set which could lead to other turbines around the town – and particularly near the proposed marina development.
The report says that while the turbine would be highly visible with the tip of its blades at 148ft high, it would be seen among other commercial and prominent buildings, including the former Campbell’s site with its feature tower.
And with the sun behind it, the potential shadow flicker effect from its 88ft diameter blades would be experienced up to 885ft away, but there were no homes within that range.
Yesterday, a Tesco spokesman said the 132-kilowatt turbine selected was a quiet one for its size and it would save about 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
“Our investment in wind turbines forms part of our community plan to cut energy use and comes from our £100 million Sustainable Technology Fund to find more practicable ways to use renewable energy,” he said.
“If we get the go-ahead, the turbine will meet the energy needs and lower the carbon footprint of the store so we hope customers are as excited about this as we are.
“We hope it demonstrates our commitment to taking a lead on the threat posed by climate change.”
By Mike Last
26 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/26/tescos-lynn-turbine-set-for-go-ahead/