April 10, 2008
Scotland

Blantyre wind turbine plan is dropped

A banking giant this week withdrew plans for two 65ft wind turbines near homes in Blantyre.

HSBC are to select another United Kingdom location for the project, previously earmarked for their call centre in Sydes Brae.

Neighbours had complained that the masts would be as close as 100ft to houses.

There had also been concern that the turbines would cause disturbance and interfere with electrical equipment.

These claims were denied by HSBC.

The company had insisted that the turbines – three blades in a helix arrangement operating around a vertical axis – would save 3.2 tonnes of carbon a year.

Blantyre was one of a number of their sites around the country where they were testing new energy-saving technology.

However, after they were told by the Advertiser of opposition from residents, HSBC said they intended to re-think the proposal.

Yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesman for the bank confirmed that the project would no longer go ahead at Sydes Brae.

“HSBC has listened to the concern of residents and that is why we have decided not to proceed,” she added.

“The decision is based on the fact that there is limited scope for a change of location within the business park.

“HSBC will continue to work with the community in improving the environment and that is why we are going to select another UK site for this project.”

Sydes Brae resident Elaine Williamson, whose home would have been closest to the proposed site of the turbines, said: “It appears the company have withdrawn the planning application out of consideration for their neighbours.

“We thank HSBC for their consideration, and also the Advertiser for highlighting the issue.”

A South Lanarkshire Council spokesman confirmed that the turbine application had been withdrawn.

The council had received about six objections to the application.

By John Rowbotham

Hamilton Advertiser

10 April 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/04/10/blantyre-wind-turbine-plan-is-dropped/