November 19, 2011
England

Concern at prison turbine size

North-West Evening Mail, www.nwemail.co.uk 19 November 2011

A community could be divided by a proposed windfarm which could be more than twice the size of its neighbours.

The five turbine development on land owned by the National Offender Management Service would be 130 metres tall while existing turbines stand at just 54.5 metres.

Originally, the wind turbines were designed to be 90 metres tall and the change in height has sparked some concern from residents.

However, if plans are approved Partnerships for Renewables, the company behind the scheme, will inject £25,000 per year into community projects and all parts would be brought in through Port Millom.

Councillor Felicity Wilson, chairwoman of Haverigg Residents’ Association, said: “I do have concerns about the size and quantity of windfarms both offshore and inland locally. But I have mixed feelings – I am concerned about our energy policy going forward.

“I will be visiting the consultation to see what the proposals are as at present. They are difficult to gauge.”

The proposed development would be built on former agricultural land in HMP Haverigg.

Power generated would be used to power the prison, with extra power being sold to the National Grid.

Martin Jones, spokesman for the prison, said the development had been organised by NOMS centrally.

PFR is holding a drop-in session on November 30 to give residents a chance to get to grips with the proposals.

Jerry Sturman, regional manager at PFR said, the company hoped to submit plans for the site by the end of the year.

Mr Sturman said: “Our work to investigate the site at HMP Haverigg is going well.

“Results have been encouraging and we feel that there is potential for a five-turbine site which would be of real long-term benefit to the prison.

“At a time when the public sector is being asked to deliver more for less, a scheme like this will deliver real financial benefit to the prison.

“We aim to use as many non-specialist services as possible from local business and current plans are to bring the turbine parts in through the port at Millom, if works do proceed.

“That’s not to mention a community benefit fund which would see more than £25,000 invested annually in community projects in the area for the lifetime of the project.”

Cllr Wilson urged residents who are concerned about the project to attend the consultation on November 30.

The drop-in event will take place in Haverigg Working Men’s Club in Main Street, Haverigg, from 3pm to 7pm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/19/concern-at-prison-turbine-size/