April 20, 2011
England

Reaction blows cool to wind turbines plan

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk 20 April 2011www.southwestbusiness.co.uk 20 April 2011

Plans for a possible multi-million-pound investment into alternative energy in the Clay Country area has been met with a lukewarm response.

Sustainable energy business Zerum has teamed up with china clay’s Goonvean to moot the idea of wind turbines to be sited across four sites.

The 45.5-metre wind turbines could be built at Greensplat, Rostowrack North, Rostowrack South and Prosper Clay Pit.

The aim is to produce electricity to be used onsite but also fed back into the local grid to meet the local demand for electricity for the next 20 years.

Last Tuesday Zerum’s Kate McNicholl presented the partnership’s vision to members of St Dennis parish council.

The china clay area has been selected because the elevated sites are points of strong wind. They’ve also been selected because traditionally industrial and brownfield sites use a lot of energy.

Zerum says a small-scale wind turbine would meet both commercial and residents’ energy needs in the area.

But Ken Rickard, parish councillor, said most councillors’ individual opinions following the presentation was against the idea of wind turbines.

If plans do go forward, wind turbines could be based near to the crossroads at Nanpean.

The community is currently battling plans to build a multimillion-pound incinerator on their doorstep and the skyline is already dotted by pylons and china clay processing buildings.

Impact

Mr Rickard told the Cornish Guardian: “The general feeling is enough is enough. The visual impact will be detrimental on the wellbeing of the village.”

Councillor Jennifer Ellacott said she was not against the idea of the wind turbines but she too was worried about the visual impact if they were placed at the Nanpean crossroads.

The consultation is part of a feasibility and pre-planning stage. Zerum will also consult with residents as stakeholders such as Newquay airport and RSPB.

They have also consulted with Treverbyn parish council.

The company now plans to hold local drop-in sessions for the community to learn more about our proposal and address any concerns.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/20/reaction-blows-cool-to-wind-turbines-plan/