June 27, 2013
England

Wind farm dropped as being ‘no longer viable’

Written by Gail Atkinson | Staffordshire Newsletter | 27 June 2013 | www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk

Plans for a pair of wind turbines in Penkridge which prompted major public opposition have been ditched, despite getting the go-ahead almost three years ago.

Wind Direct has scrapped the scheme at South Staffordshire College’s Rodbaston campus as it is “no longer viable”.

The project had been in development since 2008 but was initially refused planning permission by South Staffordshire Council in April 2010.

It followed major concerns from residents, who feared the 415-feet turbines would be huge, dominating the view and towering over canalside hedges and trees.

Lancaster-based Wind Direct Ltd appealed the decision and it was given permission in December 2010.

But Wind Direct has revealed that it has ceased development of the project following continuous review over a number of the years of the project’s commercial feasibility, wind resource and negotiations with South Staffordshire College.

Bosses said It became evident that the project “would not be viable under the existing Wind Direct business model”.

General manager Eva Gromadzki said: “While we are always disappointed to lose a project, we have to consider all aspects of a scheme’s viability.

“The conclusion of reviews on the Rodbaston site means that we will now divert resources to speed other projects in the pipeline to green elec- tricity generation.”

Graham Morley, chief executive principal at South Staffordshire Colleges, added: “It is unfortunate this project has not reached a positive conclusion with Wind Direct.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/27/wind-farm-dropped-as-being-no-longer-viable/