February 26, 2011
England

M25 turbine rumours denied

Mirfield Reporter, www.mirfieldreporter.co.uk 26 February 2011

A company has denied rumours it is planning to build a wind turbine showroom on Mirfield Moor.

David Brown Gear Systems, which manufactures gears, has said it will not be displaying wind turbines on the Mirfield 25 site following rumours circulating this week in the town.

A document released by Kirklees Council said the company was looking at Mirfield 25 and four other sites to move its Huddersfield plant to and build a centre of excellence.

Action Group Mirfield 25 chairman Coun Rick Webzell (Ind, Mirfield) said he was concerned that the company was looking at the Slipper Lane site because it was on top of a hill and would be a prime location to show off wind turbines.

He said: “A centre of excellence sounds like a showroom for display models and it would be more attractive for wind turbines on top of the hill so you can see them working.”

Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) questioned why David Brown Gears was looking at Mirfield 25 when he said there was an eight-acre brownfield site within two miles which was suitable for the company’s needs.

He said Kirklees Council had passed a motion at its January meeting to address people’s concerns over noise, flicker, breaking down and ‘missile throw’ – where parts fall off – of wind turbines near houses.

He added: “This would fly in the face of that.”

Meanwhile, Mirfield MP Simon Reevell pledged support to AGM 25’s campaign. He said: “I don’t think development of the land is necessary.”

A spokeswoman for David Brown said centre of excellence was a term for work on areas like cement or rubber and did not mean a wind turbine showroom.

David Brown general manager Wayne Ball said no decision had been made on the site move. He added: “We have a very good relationship with Kirklees Council and have been in detailed discussions about potential sites for new developments for some time.

“As we have not yet reached a final decision, we’re not able to comment further, however we look forward to what will be an exciting phase in our development and allow us to push further into new business sectors.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/26/m25-turbine-rumours-denied/