January 21, 2014
England

Airports object to wind turbine plans by University of Liverpool

By Linda Foo Guest | 21 January 2014 | www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Two airports have objected to plans for wind turbines to be built close to a historic walking route, saying it will cause serious safety issues.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Hawarden Aerodrome in Chester are objecting against the controversial planning application, submitted in September, for the Wirral Way.

The University of Liverpool has applied to install two turbines on land between Cuckoo Lane and Woodfall Lane in Little Neston.

Both airports say the tall structures will interfere with radar systems, compromising safety when aeroplanes take off and land.

A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesman said: “It is a known fact that wind turbines located close to airports can impact on the airport’s radar equipment used to assist aircraft navigation, their take-off and landing.

“Due to the location of this particular wind turbine, this will impact on the radar equipment and the safe operation at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

“As a consequence, the airport has objected to this planning application.

“There are some viable, proven ways to mitigate these issues. However, to date, none have been put forward by the developer.”

Both structures would be sited at the university’s veterinary surgery, Leahurst.

The Wirral Way stretches from West Kirby to Hooton.

The proposal has prompted objections from many locals, who are worried the turbines would be too close to houses and Woodfall Primary School, as well as being an intrusion on green belt land, destroying wildlife and disrupting local bird populations.

Burton Residents’ Association said the turbines would have an impact on the landscape.

Woodfall Primary has also objected.

The university withdrew a previous application 12 months ago to carry out further surveys requested by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

It had over 300 objections at the time.

Little Neston resident John Norton is calling for the plan to be scrapped now that the two airports have raised concerns.

He added: “Speaking to my neighbours, parents at the local school and others, there is almost unanimous opposition to the university’s wind turbines plan.

A University of Liverpool spokeswoman said: “We expect to receive an impact assessment report regarding this issue soon, which will be included in our planning submission for the development, along with a review of any measures that can be taken to mitigate potential problems.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/21/airports-object-to-wind-turbine-plans-by-university-of-liverpool/