June 25, 2008
England
England
Three giant wind turbines could soon be towering above the South Gloucestershire countryside.
If plans for Alveston Wind Park win approval the towers would stand 100 metres (328 ft) tall.
Stroud-based Next Generation says the three-bladed turbines will generate sufficient renewable electricity to power about 5,000 homes over their lifespan of 25 years.
Plans have now been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council to build the three pylons and turbines at Old Green Farm, off Old Gloucester Road, which is within the protected green belt.
Two years ago the same company withdrew plans for six wind turbines, each 270ft high, following objections from BAE Systems, the owner of Filton Airfield, which said the huge turbines could “compromise” the operation of its radar system.
But Next Generation believes it may have overcome the objection, following the latest guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority which says the “clutter” caused by the twirling blades will not impact on the safety of the radar.
Isobel Downey, for Next Generation, said: “Throughout the production of renewable electricity the Alveston Wind Park is expected to prevent the emission of 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
“It will also prevent the release of matter which can cause breathing problems, asthma and lung cancer, as well as preventing thermal pollution and the production of consid- erable amounts of ash and slag.”
Oldbury nuclear power station, which has been producing enough electricity for both Bristol and Bath for more than 40 years, will be closing down at the end of the year.
South Gloucestershire Council’s ruling cabinet has already said it will back plans to use sustainable methods of creating energy.
As well as wind-generated power, the council is looking at other alternative sources including solar power and geothermal energy.
Farmer Richard King, of Old Green Farm, said he carried out a survey of his own two years ago and said the majority of his neighbours would not object to the wind park.
Northavon MP Steve Webb conducted a similar survey in his constituency which showed that three-quarters of people were in favour of wind power.
By John Le Couteur
25 June 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/25/giant-turbines-plan-for-south-gloucestershire/