May 10, 2013
Wales

Public have say on Clocaenog Forest wind turbine application

Published date: 10 May 2013 | Published by: Helen Davies | www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk

A controversial application for 32 wind turbines has reached a pivotal point.

Residents are being asked to officially register their interest by June 12 if they want to be allowed to have their say on the Clocaenog Forest wind farm.

RWE npower renewables submitted their plans to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), which is the independent body that decides applications for ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ such as this, last month.

PINS had a month to check the documents had all been completed in the correct format, which they have now done.

“This is another significant milestone for the project and I’d like to thank people for their involvement in this project so far,” said Martin Cole, renewables developer at RWE npower renewables.

“We think we’ve submitted the best possible proposal and if the project receives permission to proceed it would not only generate clean, renewable energy but it would also unlock a significant amount of funding and investment for local communities and the North Wales region as a whole.”

The application will now enter the decision making stage and from this point onwards PINS will take sole responsibility for processing the application.

This means it is now the body to which local people, community groups and stakeholder organisations need to direct their views on the project.

Residents who want to continue playing a formal part in the process and ensure their views are heard by PINS as it considers the application, now need to register as ‘interested parties’.

“It’s very important that people who want to stay involved in the process now register as an interested party with PINS – either via their website or by calling and requesting a form is sent to them,” said Mr Cole.

“The registration period opens on Wednesday, May 1 and closes on Wednesday, June 12.”

The proposal consists of 32 turbines, along with the associated roads and infrastructure needed during the wind farm’s construction and operation.

If it receives the go-ahead, the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm could accommodate an installed capacity of 64 to 96 megawatts (MW) and the average annual generation expected at the site would be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of up to 40,800 average UK households.

People can register as an interested party by:
– Visiting the main PINS website: www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/planninginspectorate
– Visiting the dedicated PINS website for the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm: http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/wales/clocaenog-forest-wind-farm/
– Calling the PINS helpdesk on 0303 444 5000
– Emailing the PINS case team on clocaenogwindfarm@infrastructure.gsi.gov.uk
– Referring to application reference EN010013

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/10/public-have-say-on-clocaenog-forest-wind-turbine-application/