June 2, 2011
England

Plans for wind turbine in Burtonwood delayed again

www.thisischeshire.co.uk 2 June 2011

Plans for a massive wind turbine in Burtonwood have been deferred for a third time by Warrington Borough Council.

The 77-metre high renewable energy structure would be housed on land at Causeway Bridges, on Alder Lane, next to the M62.

This latest decision came after Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport dropped its objections to the turbine, initially complaining that its height could affect the flight path.

In a u-turn last week, airport bosses changed their minds as long as work would be carried out to make sure the radar was not disrupted.

At Wednesday evening’s planning meeting Clr Bernard Long (Callands) said: “This is a flawed application. The radar issues have not been resolved.

“It could also impact on television reception and no application should be accepted in the green belt if there is no economic benefit.”

Clr Brian Axcell, a renewable energy engineer, believed the turbine would not generate the amount of energy claimed by applicant Wind Direct.

He said: “This isn’t a favourable site, it isn’t open or elevated enough. I don’t think we should have a large device where energy output is low. I don’t think we should make a decision when the statistics are not convincing. What is claimed for the output is totally unrealistic.”

The committee agreed to defer the matter to investigate the energy output and the issue of TV interference.

A spokesman for Wind Direct said: “Causeway Bridges is a good site for a wind turbine. There are few sites in this country where it’s feasible to have one. Although turbines are tall they are slender and won’t block out views. The energy generated would be small but significant for Warrington, which currently has no turbines.”

In past months Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council have objected to the turbine, saying the application would have a detrimental effect on the people living nearby.

Ten neighbours also objected on similar grounds, especially where noise was concerned.

The application was also deferred following the last two planning meetings so site visits could be carried out.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/02/plans-for-wind-turbine-in-burtonwood-delayed-again/