July 10, 2008
England
England
Plans to erect two windfarms in the Castle Morpeth countryside will be put to villagers at a series of information days.
Power group Novera Energy has announced proposals for six turbines to be installed both on agricultural land at Todd Hill, Pigdon, and between Hebron and Longhirst.
The plans follow a Borough-wide search for suitable sites, which found the areas have no obvious environmental sensitivities and turbines there would have little impact on civil or military aviation.
Now residents are being given the chance to have their say, before any firm decisions are made.
Project Director Dan Grierson said: “We are in the very early stages of development and are currently only investigating the suitability of these two sites. So far, our findings would suggest that both Todd Hill and Longhirst could be suitable for up to six turbines.
“We are looking forward to meeting and talking to local residents, groups and individuals, with a view to taking on board their opinions and comments before we make any further decisions about the sites.”
The company, which has 58 sites across the UK with a portfolio of landfill gas, hydro, waste and wind assets, has pledged that a local community fund would be established if the windfarms get the go ahead.
And it says its policy is to use local contractors for construction, operation and maintenance work which would create jobs. “There is growing support for windfarm developments and renewable energy projects, but we still recognise the importance of meeting with residents from the area to discuss any potential concerns they may have,” added Mr Grierson.
“The information days will give local residents an opportunity to talk with the project team and learn more about our proposals.”
The exhibitions will be at Longhirst Village Hall on Monday, July 14, from Noon to 8pm, and Tuesday, July 15, from 10am to 4pm. The Todd Hill plans are at Morpeth Town Hall on Wednesday, July 23, from Noon to 8pm, and Thursday, July 24, from 10am to 4pm.
By Anna Smith
10 July 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/07/10/two-windfarms-planned-near-morpeth/