July 27, 2012
England

Wind farm proposal concerns residents

Adam Richards | Basingstoke Observer | www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk 27 July 2012

The firm behind a massive wind farm near Whitchurch have written to residents in a bid to address concerns raised about the development.

The move follows two public exhibitions earlier this month where EDF Energy Renewables put plans for Bullington Cross on display.

More than 250 residents visited London Street’s Whitchurch Parish Hall on July 4, and 5 to view the proposal.

Concerns were raised over building overground pylons from the farm, the number of turbines, and their height.

The firm is wants to build 17 turbines at Bullington Cross, near A34 junction and the A303.

The site lies on the border of three local authorities – Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Winchester City Council, and Test Valley Borough Council.

Current plans will see the site filled with 17 2MW turbines each standing at 126 meters high.

In a letter to residents requesting updates, Darren Cuming, onshore wind development manager for EDF Renewables said feedback will be fed into further development, ahead of submitting a planning application.

He said: “In the coming months we will be continuing with our environmental investigative work on site and reviewing the response to the proposals so far.”

Addressing specific concerns about overground pylons, Mr Cuming said: “The intention is that underground cables will take electricity generated by the wind farm to a local grid connection post.

“The wind farm will not involve the installation of any additional overhead lines or pylons.”

And addressing further concerns over the height, and number of turbines, Mr Cumming said: “The tip height (126.25m) and number of turbines (17) proposed so far are maximum numbers.

“We will review the response made at the public exhibitions and determine final scheme details before submitting any planning application.”

Quoting figures renewable energy trade association RenewableUK, EDF estimate the scheme will be able to provide electricity for 15,8000 homes, and save 32,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Mr Cuming added that EDF hope to hold a further series of public exhibitions later in the year.

For more information, visit www.bullingtoncrosswindfarm.co.uk


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/27/wind-farm-proposal-concerns-residents/