March 14, 2013
England

Scoping report into windfarm at Great Altcar causes concern for environment

Mar 14 2013 by Tom Duffy, Ormskirk Advertiser | www.osadvertiser.co.uk

A proposal to build a windfarm in West Lancashire has prompted concerns from residents, conservationists and Sefton council.

The plan is to build 24 turbines, two or three masts, access tracks, a substation and infrastructure at Withens in Great Altcar near west Lancashire’s border with Sefton.

The turbines will be a maximum height of 450 feet, and the hubs are expected to reach 270 feet.

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited has submitted a report on behalf of Falck Renewables to West Lancashire Borough Council.

Ince Blundell resident Ian Cowell has told the Advertiser that the windfarm will be a blot on the landscape affecting Ince Blundell, Hightown, Little Altcar, Formby, Lydiate and Sefton Village.

He also said that the windfarm will affect the microlight strip at Ince Blundell and pointed out that it is on the flight path to RAF Woodvale.

He also said that helicopters landing at Altcar Rifle Range could also be affected by the wind turbine development.

Mr Cowell pointed out there are a number of heritage sites near the site including Ince Blundell hall and park, Sefton church, 430 listed buildings, the Sefton coast site of special scientific interest and the Alt estuary special protection area.

And he added: “The construction of the windfarm will increase the volume of traffic through Hightown and Formby. That is also a consideration.”

Sefton council officer Mandy Biagetti has submitted a letter outlining a number of concerns.

The letter states that the proposed windfarm is near a number of European protected sites including Martin Mere and the Simonswood Moss pink-footed Goose roost in West Lancashire.

The report states that Falck renewables intends to submit a planning application to West Lancashire BC for a wind farm, which will be accompanied by an environmental statement.

The documents also state that the development falls within schedule two of the EIA regulations which includes installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/14/scoping-report-into-windfarm-at-great-altcar-causes-concern-for-environment/