November 17, 2011
England

Radar deal on cards for windfarm on edge of Runcorn

Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk 17 November 2011

A radar could be built on Frodsham Hill to stop wind turbines on the edge of Runcorn creating air traffic control blackspots.

Airport officials are concerned that plans to build 19 turbines on Frodsham Marshes would create blurring and clutter on radar screens.

Campaigners against the windfarm fear that developers could use the radar issue to significantly delay the planning decision, leaving the community in ‘planning limbo’ while it takes years to develop a solution to the problem.

Member of Residents Against The Windfarm (RAW) Tony Hinkins said: “The radar issue is a real problem, it is stopping windfarms all over the country.

“The effect on the radar makes it look like lots of aeroplanes coming towards you at the same time, creating a blurring effect, which is very dangerous.

“At the moment the only viable option is for Peel to put up a new radar dish, and the only place they could put it would be Frodsham Hill.”

Liverpool John Lennon Airport had originally prepared a holding objection against the 80m-high turbines which they said would have a negative impact on the safety of its operations.

But following discussions a deal has been struck which both parties say will stop the turbines having an impact on the airport radar systems.

Mike Jones, of LJLA consultative committee Mike Jones, said: “It was down to them to come up with a plan to mitigate the issue that they can carry out. Additional radar could be requested, but it is up to the developers to come up with and install this solution.”

A Peel spokesman said: “Both LJLA and Peel recognise that there is a range of technologies which can ensure that the wind farm and airport can co-exist.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/17/radar-deal-on-cards-for-windfarm-on-edge-of-runcorn/