January 12, 2011
England

Residents’ group formed against university’s wind turbines plan

By Bryan Henesey, Nottingham Post, www.thisisnottingham.co.uk 12 January 2011

A residents’ group has been set up to oppose university plans to build wind turbines near Beeston Rylands.

The University of Nottingham wants to install three 125-metre wind turbines on university-owned land between Beeston Rylands and Clifton next to the River Trent.

The university has said the turbines could save about £1 million a year in electricity costs if built.

The three turbines would produce a third of the electricity that the University Park campus needs.

The university is proposing to submit a planning application for the £10 million proposal at Grove Farm, off Thane Road, next month.

But residents living in both communities have formed a new group campaigning against the plan.

Jock McPherson, founder of Beeston & Clifton Wind Turbine Awareness Group, said: “Our position is clear – we’re anti the turbines based on their location.

“The size of the turbines in relation to the proximity of houses is what is causing us a problem.

“We also feel the University of Nottingham has not done a good job in getting information out to the public.”

The group currently has around half a dozen members based in Beeston Rylands and Clifton.

It has also received around 100 responses from residents about the plans.

Mr McPherson, of Meadow Road, Beeston Rylands, said: “Of those people who have contacted me, one thinks it is a good idea and everyone else has had concerns.

“We will get together in the near future to discuss ways of becoming more formalised.

“Whether people agree or disagree with the plan, I want them to know about it.”

Members of the group plan to leaflet properties in the area and knock on doors to inform residents of the plans.

The university says the turbines could reduce its carbon emissions by 7,000 tonnes a year and, subject to planning approval, would be installed in 2012.

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “University staff have attended meetings in Clifton and Beeston Rylands to present the proposals and answer questions.

“We have also now received responses from both Nottingham City Council and Broxtowe Borough Council, as part of the formal process.

“We will hold a full public exhibition a few weeks before the formal planning application is made.

“This will give residents a chance to look at detailed plans and is likely to take place towards the end of February.

“We have also invited community groups to visit a local wind farm so they can see turbines in operation.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/12/residents-group-formed-against-universitys-wind-turbines-plan/