April 23, 2013
England

Wind farm proposal impact to face Sefton scrutiny

Apr 23 2013 by Jamie Bowman, Formby Times | www.formbytimes.co.ukApr 23 2013 by Jamie Bowman, Formby Times | www.formbytimes.co.uk

Controversial plans to build wind turbines on land bordering Sefton and West Lancashire, will be discussed at a series of public exhibitions.

The wind farm, which is being proposed by Coriolis Energy, will consist of 24 turbines, each 136.5m in height, in addition to access tracks, a sub-station and infrastructure at Withens, in Great Altcar, near West Lancashire’s border with Sefton.

Coriolis says that each turbine will be able to generate enough electricity to power 1,162 homes with the whole wind farm expected to generate enough electricity for 27,000 homes.

As the land itself falls outside the Sefton boundary, concerns have been raised by councillors and environmental groups that the true impact on residents living in neighbouring Sefton villages, such as Lydiate, Ince Blundell and Lunt, will be ignored by West Lancs planning committee.

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson said that he had written to West Lancs planning department to pass on residents’ concerns

Mr Esterson said: “The viewpoint of the people in these communities must be heard. It is crucial everyone has a say before the decision is made.”

Local councillors joined Mr Esterson in expressing fears over the plan.

Manor ward councillor Steve McGinnity said: “Residents in Hightown are concerned because they will be able to see the equivalent of 24 St John’s Beacons towering into the air.”

Ravenmeols ward councillor Peter Maguire said: “The transportation of materials, including parts such as propellers, will go through the Thornton relief road. What disruption will this cause, people are asking?”

The public exhibitions will take place on Thursday, April 25, 5pm-7pm, at Leverhulme Hall, Lord Sefton Way, Great Altcar, Friday April 26, 4pm-8pm, at Ince Blundell Village Hall, Victoria Road, and Saturday April 27, 10am-2pm, at Lydiate Parish Hall, Southport Road.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/23/wind-farm-proposal-impact-to-face-sefton-scrutiny/