January 20, 2011
England

West Coast Energy applies to build wind turbine in Mold

by Francesca Elliott, Flintshire Chronicle, www.flintshirechronicle.co.uk 20 January 2011

A planning application has been put forward to build Flintshire’s biggest wind turbine.

The application, lodged by West Coast Energy Ltd (WCEL), would see a 35-metre turbine built at the company’s base on Mold Business Park.

The structure would allow the building to generate its own electricity and become self-sufficient.

Chris Thomas, project manager at WCEL, said: “We are absolutely committed to developing our business throughout Wales and reducing our carbon footprint.

“We see this wind turbine as part of our continued commitment to the environment and the future low carbon economy.

“Our own wind turbine has been an aspiration of ours ever since we built the office 18 months ago.

“The turbine has been sized to provide a large proportion of the electricity required, while ensuring any perceived environmental impacts are kept to a minimum.

“We want to reduce our carbon footprint and, after doing tests, we’re sure Mold has enough wind for our needs.”

Jonathan Cawley, WCEL’s planning and development manager, is confident the company will get permission for the structure, which could go before Flintshire County Council’s planning committee in February or March.

“We spoke to nearby residents before we put the application in and we’ve had a lot of support – no one has said anything negative,” he said. “It will not really be visible to anyone nearby, as it’s not that big, and will be visible from a distance from higher up in Gwernymynydd. and a bit from the nearby bypass.

“The noise it will make will not carry more that 100m.”

The structure, which can be put up in a matter of days, will be situated to the right of the entrance to the company’s offices.

It would be 25m to its hub and 35m high when the turbine’s spokes – which would have a diameter of 20m – are in motion.

Mold Town Council says it will support the application in principle, but will need more detailed information about the impact it could have on the community before it makes a decision on whether to recommend approval.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/20/west-coast-energy-applies-to-build-wind-turbine-in-mold/