February 22, 2011
Wales

Controversial plans for wind turbines at Caernarfon Airport set for approval

by Dan Beavan, DPW West, www.dailypost.co.uk 22 February 2011

Controversial plans to erect two wind turbines alongside a runway at Gwynedd’s only airport are being recommended for approval.

The runway at Caernarfon will have to be delicensed, forcing commercial planes to use a shorter runway, if the 150ft turbines are built.

Directors at Caernarfon Airport have applied to erect the turbines, capable of generating enough electricity for 1,000 homes, in order to secure the facility’s future.

In a report to Gwynedd Council’s planning committee, meeting in Pwllheli next week, officials noted the de-licensing of the runway will not prevent its use.

It added: “The airport cannot continue to operate solely on its current revenue streams, which have been adversely affected by the economic situation. The revenue generated by the wind turbines would contribute to the viability of the airport. The loss of the only civilian airport in Gwynedd would impact upon the Air Ambulance, a maintenance facility and a loss of 23 jobs.”

Documents enclosed with the application reveal plans have been drawn up for a total of 14 turbines.

The report notes 21 letters have been received objecting to the plans.

Recommending approval the report concludes: “There are clear benefits in terms of the contribution of the proposed turbines to the national need for energy from renewable resources.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/22/controversial-plans-for-wind-turbines-at-caernarfon-airport-set-for-approval/