February 6, 2012
England

Firm abandons forest wind turbines plans

Teesdale Mercury, www.teesdalemercury.co.uk 6 February 2012

A wind power firm has scrapped plans to build four 115m turbines near Hamsterley Forest because of ‘environmental’ concerns.
Since 2009, two companies have outlined separate plans to build wind farms at Crake Scar, which is also known as Windy Bank.
In 2009, Bolsterstone Innovative Energy submitted initial proposals. Soon afterwards, County Durham firm Banks Renewables revealed it wanted to erect turbines in a nearby field.
Since then, a war of words has raged between Banks Renewables and wind farm protestors. However, Bolsterstone Innovative Energy has remained silent on its proposals for Crake Scar.
Protestors have tried in vain to find out if the plans were still on the table.
But this week, Bolsterstone Innovative Energy told the Mercury that it has abandoned its plans.
A spokesperson said: “I can give no details at present of the reasons behind the decision to
abandon Crake Scar but I can confirm that we will no longer be pursuing an interest in developing the site.”
The developer’s environmental consultants, Arcus Renewable Energy, originally said the turbines would be visible from North Yorkshire, Teesside and much of Teesdale. Proposals included access tracks, meteorological mast, control building and sub-station.
The firm said the turbines would generate 8MW, resulting in annual emission savings of between approximately 7,760 and 18,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
This week Arcus consultant Ian Sing said: “I have not dealt with the plans for some time but I believe there may have been some environmental issues.”
However, Banks is forging ahead with its proposals for Crake Scar.
The company has already been told its wildlife survey work is not up to scratch and unless more is done, the project is likely to be refused by Durham County Council. The site of a medieval convent on the land is also said to have historical significance.
Banks Renewables maintains that Crake Scar is a wholly appropriate location.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/06/firm-abandons-forest-wind-turbines-plans/