January 27, 2011
England

Site in Ince Blundell “priority zone” for wind farm

by Joe Thomas, Crosby Herald, www.crosbyherald.co.uk 27 January 2011

Wind turbines could be dominating another Sefton parish after land near the River Alt was identified as a prime location for the towering structures.

Research by green energy chiefs labelled the site in Ince Blundell parish a “priority zone” for harnessing natural energy.

Straddling the Ince Blundell-Hightown parish boundary, a wind farm could be built there to meet renewable energy targets over the coming years.

The findings come after two years of joint investigations by Merseyside, West Lancashire and Warrington authorities.

The aims of the report were to set out a framework for green energy development in the area.

The results of the Liverpool City Region Renewable Energy Capacity Study will influence Sefton Council’s Core Strategy for development over the next 15 years.

Wind speed at the proposed site was a major factor behind the outcome, as were constraints surrounding other potential locations.

There are no current plans to build a wind farm, and consultation would follow any decision to do so.

In a report to go before councillors on Thursday, planning chief Andy Wallis said: “An area of search for wind energy development is identified next to the River Alt, south of Great Altcar.

“This is based on comparison of wind speed evidence and major constraints such as national and international nature sites.

“However, the study notes that a fuller and more detailed assessment would be needed for all such wind sites.”

Dave Warren, chairman of Hightown Parish Council, said: “My initial reaction is that it is something worth considering.

“I’m not sure using really good agricultural land is a good idea, it could offend a lot of people, but my initial reaction is a positive one – we will have to see the details put together first though.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/27/site-in-ince-blundell-priority-zone-for-wind-farm/