December 14, 2012
England

Plans in for 78-metre turbine submitted

Teesdale Mercury | Dec 13, 2012 | www.teesdalemercury.co.uk

Plans have been submitted for a wind turbine, which would be nearly four times as high as the Angel of the North, about 110m from the A66.
Objectors had pleaded to Aggregate Industries to abandon its wind turbine proposals for Hulands Quarry, near Bowes. But last week the company submitted an official application to build a 78-metre wind turbine at the site.
The company says the turbine, which would generate enough power for 280 homes, would help it reduce its energy costs and be more eco-friendly.
But the turbine is only a short distance away from the A66 and residents are worried it would be a distraction to drivers and cause accidents. South Teesdale Action Group (STAG), which is fighting the proposal, says the scheme would spoil countryside views and overshadow the 12th century castle in Bowes.
Protestors also say it is too close to people’s houses. But Aggregate Industries says there are “no substantive reasons to prevent the development progressing”.
“In 2010 Aggregate Industries used approximately 1,089 GWh of energy in the production and transportation of construction products. This proposed wind turbine would contribute to offsetting this overall energy consumption and achieving Aggregate Industries’ 25 per cent target,” the company said.
“The energy generated by the turbine is sufficient to produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately 280 homes. It can be seen that the proposed wind turbine would theoretically be able to offset the majority of electricity used at the site.”
Public consultation events were held in September. The firm says that, in response to the feedback received, the maximum height of the proposed wind turbine has been reduced from 87m to 78m to reduce visual impact.
For more details, visit www.aggregatewindhulands.co.uk.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/14/plans-in-for-78-metre-turbine-submitted/