September 1, 2017
England

A new 130m tall wind turbine can be built in Avonmouth as council approves plans

By Esme Ashcroft | Bristol Post | 31 Aug 2017 | www.bristolpost.co.uk

Plans for a huge 130m wind turbine – the height of 30 double decker buses – have been approved.

The structure is set to be built in the entrance to the Accolade Wine warehouse on the Avonmouth industrial estate.

According to the applicant, Clean Earth, the turbine will provide 40 per cent of the energy used by the Accolade Wine site.

Plans for the 426ft structure were approved at a Bristol City Council development control committee meeting on Wednesday evening.

There are seven existing wind turbines already in place in the Avonmouth area and the council report states that it had just one objection to the project.

In the document Labour ward councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, Jo Sargent, said: “I support the building of this wind turbine. We should support local businesses in their attempts to produce sustainable and clean energy.

“The existing wind turbines are an interesting feature on the local landscape and a sign of a progressive enterprise area and there is no reason to object to adding a few more.”

The planning report raised concerns at the lack of specific wind farm designation in Avonmouth by central government, which could result in legal objections to the development.

However, due to the existing wind turbines and public support, the authority does not believe there will be a problem.

The report states: “Officers are concluding that due to the level of local support, and the fact that the development is in accordance with policies in the local plan, despite the absence of a formal designation, there is no reason to withhold planning permission.

“In addition to this, it is likely that Avonmouth could be considered an appropriate area for wind turbine development, in view of the fact that there are already a number of wind turbines in the area, as well as the relative lack of sensitive receptors.”

Clean Earth will have three years to build the wind turbine.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/09/01/a-new-130m-tall-wind-turbine-can-be-built-in-avonmouth-as-council-approves-plans/