May 5, 2012
England

Wind farm application gathers pace

www.selbytimes.co.uk 5 May 2012

Controversial plans for wind farms at Bishopwood and Woodlane in Selby could be resolved within months a spokeswoman for the company behind the schemes said this week.

In an exclusive interview with the Selby Times project manager for the two schemes, Clare Davey, said Selby District Council and Prowind were keen to resolve the applications.

The applications were first submitted in 2009, but problems with campaigning residents and RAF Church Fenton slowed the process.

Ms Davey, whose parents live in Gateforth, said there had been lots of negative feedback from local people over the turbines, each of which are 125 metres high, but Prowind (UK) Ltd, was willing to open a dialogue with objectors.

She added: “We are looking to get a decision as soon as possible. The company has spoken to RAF Church Fenton as they had issues over interference with the turbines and their communications equipment; it appears these have now been resolved.

She added that it was difficult to say how many jobs would be created during the construction phase, but UK companies and local people would be used as much as possible. She said turbines would come from Europe but fixtures and fittings for them would be sourced in the UK.

She added: “If we gain permission to locate the turbines construction would take no longer than 12 months. Disruption would be minimised by avoiding peak times for vehicles going to and from the site. There would be no 106 agreement to put money into local building schemes. Prowind would rather speak to people and find out what they would like to see in their community.”

The Campaign to Protect Rural England said that in 2008 there were 685 turbines, more than 30 metres high built, in construction or awaiting approval in the countryside. CPRE added that by March this year, the number had soared to more than 4,100.

Ms Davey said: “The effect this would have on the landscape is difficult to say as it is a subjective thing. On the issue of noise we would be within government noise limits.”

An SDC spokeswoman said they were in discussions with the applicants on technical issues related to the schemes, further submissions are expected from the applicants and there would be further consultation prior to the applications being considered by Planning Committee.

Leading anti-wind farm protester Howard Ferguson, from Hillam, said: “One of the great injustices of the planning process for wind farms is that the developers are given as much time as they want, while we are only given a few days to respond. We were told that the decision will be taken in April then that there had been some slippage and it would be May. Now it appears that they could miss the May planning meeting. Having endured three years of uncertainty I am sure that we can cope with further delays.”

Anyone with issues can call Clare Davey on 07803423597 or Prowind (UK) Ltd managing director Keith Brooks on 07803428076.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/05/wind-farm-application-gathers-pace/