June 9, 2008
England

Public views wanted on proposed new windfarm

Public opinion is being sought about a proposed windfarm which would be located on open farmland 12 miles West of Morpeth.

UK energy company npower renewables has developed an online questionnaire and established a telephone information line to capture public opinion about plans for Kirkharle Wind Farm.

An information leaflet is being sent to more than 1,600 homes within ten kilometres of the site.

The leaflet explains more about the proposals and includes computer-generated images of how the development could look.

The npower proposal is for eight wind turbines (two clusters of four) with a turbine height (to the tip of the blade) of 125 metres.

The company claims the energy generated by a windfarm of this size would meet the needs of between 7,800 and 11,600 average households every year.

Richard Best, Project Developer at npower renewables, said: “We have been undertaking environmental studies at the proposed Kirkharle site for some time in order to confirm the appropriateness of the location for a windfarm.

“The studies include landscape and visual effects, nature conservation designations and archaeological and cultural assessments of the site.

“The findings of these studies will be presented in the Environmental Statement document, which will be submitted along with the planning application for the windfarm.”

The company said it believes wind power is an essential part of the UK’s commitment to increasing the volume of electricity generation from renewable sources, and helping to tackle climate change through reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

If the planning application for the Kirkharle Wind Farm is successful, the project would make a contribution towards meeting Government targets for renewable energy generation and carbon dioxide reduction.

Mr Best added: “People will be aware that there are a number of other proposals to develop windfarms locally, and three of these are subject to a public inquiry.

“Our proposal does not form part of the inquiry, and we plan to submit a planning application to Tynedale Council later in 2008.”

Now npower renewables is seeking the views of local people before submitting the application.

To find out more about the windfarm proposals, and to submit comments online, log on to www.npower-renewables.com/kirkharle or call 0845 459 4069.

• The company operates 16 hydro-electric power schemes and 19 windfarms in the UK, including the country’s first major offshore windfarm, North Hoyle. It is also working with marine energy technology partners to deliver new wave and tidal stream power projects in the UK.

Morpeth Herald

9 June 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/09/public-views-wanted-on-proposed-new-windfarm/