December 13, 2013
Northern Ireland

Developers of Larne wind farms ‘committed’ to public consultation

Published on the 14 December 2013 larnetimes.co.uk

The developers behind controversial plans for two wind farms near Larne have pledged their commitment to engage with local people.

Apamore Services, who are responsible for a five-turbine wind farm application at Killyglen, told the Times they will be holding public consultation events in the New Year to brief people on the plans.

A spokesman for the firm said: “To date Apamore have briefed several local public representatives and held a briefing with Larne Borough Council in September.

“Additionally, Apamore Services have made the Environmental Statement available for public viewing at Larne Library. Contact details are also available in Larne Library to facilitate direct consultation between the public and the applicant.

“Apamore are committed to thorough public consultation. This planning application remains under consideration and all members of the public still have an extended opportunity to submit their views.”

Meanwhile, Wind NI said they were pleased with the outcome of a recent public consultation event regarding their proposed wind farm at Ballykeel, which would consist of seven turbines.

Colm McClean, co-founder of the company said: “Wind NI remain focused on the many benefits to the local community that this development will bring, evident already in our existing turbine projects that have had led to tangible economic benefits ranging from recruitment of staff from the local area to projects being built by local contractors.

“With regard to the potential visual impact of this project, Ballykeel wind farm was carefully sited on property with a lower elevation than much of the surrounding landscape in order to integrate better with the neighbouring topography.

“The proposed turbines that will be used are under 100m to blade tip which means they will be more than 20 per cent smaller in size than the majority of current wind farm applications.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/13/developers-of-larne-wind-farms-committed-to-public-consultation/