April 4, 2008
England

New wind farm plans are unveiled

Another company is looking at developing a wind farm on the outskirts of Rugby on a site just metres from the dozen turbines being proposed for Yelvertoft.

The Observer has learned of plans for another development in neighbouring village Lilbourne which have prompted fears of a ‘greenwash’ with the countryside being overtaken by turbines up to 130 metres height.

In addition to the two village developments being considered, plans are already in place for a turbine in Crick, four further south at the village of Watford and a massive 18 turbine development up the road at Swinford, near Lutterworth.

If all were to be given the green light it would create a ‘wind farm alley’ stretching miles along the side of the M1 between junctions 17 and 19.

In the latest development wind farm developers Cetis has revealed it is looking into the feasibility of developing a site with 12 turbines at Lilbourne Lodge, adjacent to the east side of the motorway between junctions 18 and 19.

Although the firm has yet to announce the plans publicly, we can reveal bosses have written to Daventry District Council with a draft proposal.

Planning officers are now preparing a report for the developers which will outline what research they need to carry out on the site before being able to submit a planning application.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently consulting neighbouring parish councils and other relevant organisations on this request and will issue the scoping opinion in due course.”

• A major study has just been commissioned by the council to see if there is the potential to develop a renewable energy supply for the thousands of new homes and businesses set for Daventry over the next decade.

And according to executive director Ian Vincent, early findings point to wind power being one of the most economically viable options.

It is one of two that are now to be looked at in more detail, along with biomass combined heat and power (Bio-CHP) which uses the heat from generating electricity to provide heating for buildings.

Simon Ward