October 28, 2010
England

Uni opts for one wind turbine

Lancaster Guardian, www.lancasterguardian.co.uk 28 October 2010

Lancaster University has shelved plans for two 100m high wind turbines but now hopes to erect just one of them on land at its Hazelrigg site.

The plans could be scuppered however if a new Bill calling for a minimum distance between wind turbines and residential properties is passed in the House of Lords.

Planning permission was rejected by Lancaster City Council in May for the two proposed turbines as they were deemed inappropriate for the area.

It was also felt that they would have a significant impact on residential amenity.

The new proposal of a single turbine in the northern part of the site, to the east of the M6, would allow the university to produce 20 per cent of its annual electricity needs.

But one Hazelrigg Lane resident is extremely unhappy about the new application.

Glynn Woon said: “The earlier application for two turbines was refused because of the impact on the residential amenity of local people.

“This application will also destroy the quality of life for local people – but fewer of them.

“This is admitted in the environmental statement – but the university cynically invite the unaffected majority to ignore the plight of the seriously affected few.”

The turbine would be erected 248 metres from Mr Woone’s property.

Currently the Wind Turbines (Minimum Distances from Residential Premises) Bill, written by Lord Reay of Whittington Hall in the Lune Valley, is due for a second reading in the House of Lords.

It calls for a minimum distance between wind turbines and residential premises according to the size of the wind turbine, and a minimum distance of 1,500m would be required if the turbine reaches 100m high.

The university said it couldn’t comment on the Bill, but Jonathan Mills, Lancaster University Environment & Sustainability Manager said:

“The university is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and is looking to move this project forward in a positive way.

“The wind turbine would make a significant contribution towards Lancaster University cutting its carbon emissions.”

The plans for the 2MW turbine include access tracks, hardstanding areas and landscaping and environmental measures.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/28/uni-opts-for-one-wind-turbine/