Wind Power News: England
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Storm Callum sends wind turbine crashing into field where prize-winning horses graze
Storm Callum has smashed a wind turbine into pieces sending bits of it crashing into a field where it “traumatised” a couple’s prize-winning horses. Janet Nicholls said bits of fibreglass and a huge blade from the machine came crashing down into the field where five of her and her husband David’s nine horses were grazing. The collapse was part of mass devastation across Cornwall after forecasters sent out warnings that Callum would bring a danger to life. There were also . . . Complete story »
Fisherman blocked from entering Grimsby fish docks – ending dream of running own shellfish business
A keen fisherman is angry he has been blocked from mooring up at Grimsby fish docks to keep a family tradition alive. Paul White, 52 and his late father Raymond used to provide boat trips for fishermen. But he said the authorities which operate the dock have blocked him in favour of firms pioneering Grimsby-based wind turbine industries. Paul, a qualified boatman, used to provide trips for anglers and divers in 80ft boats. One of them was “The Impulsive.” He . . . Complete story »
Multi-million pound plans revealed for huge wind and solar farm in North Staffordshire
Keele University has unveiled multi-million pound plans to generate 80 per cent of its own electricity through solar and wind power. The ambitious scheme will see up to 26,000 photo-voltaic (PV) panels installed at ground level in fields on the edge of the campus. Along with two wind turbines, the renewable energy sources will be enough to power teaching blocks, halls of residence and even landmark buildings like Keele Hall and the university chapel. A planning application is due to . . . Complete story »
MP rebukes planners and ministers over unpopular windfarm substation proposal
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman has ripped into the planning system and knocked government ministers out of frustration over proposals to site a windfarm substation in his constituency. Mr Freeman has penned a strongly-worded letter to the Planning Inspectorate over the scheme, which would see the future Norfolk Vanguard offshore windfarm linked in to the National Grid via a substation on a hill at Necton. Mr Freeman labelled the plans for the wind farm by Swedish power giant Vattenfall: “an . . . Complete story »
Local opposition to proposal to extend permitted life of Kirkby Moor windfarm
A lobbying group has been formed to galvanise opposition to the extension of a Furness windfarm’s life. Kirkby Moor Protection (KMP) is drawing its members from individuals and parish councils who opposed the planning application as well as organisations such as The Friends of the Lake District. The 25-year planning consent for the 12 turbines, between Broughton-in-Furness and Ulverston, is due to expire at the end of this month and a public inquiry is due to be held next January . . . Complete story »
Two wind turbines taller than the London Eye could be built on Teesside
Two wind turbines – taller than the London Eye and visible from Peterlee – could be built on Teesside. Although at the very earliest stage, proposals have been drawn up to install two wind turbines on land at the Tesco Distribution Centre on Dabholm Road at Teesport, Middlesbrough. Renewable energy suppliers, CleanEarth (CE), are proposing to submit a planning application to Redcar and Cleveland Council for a pair of wind turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 145m. If . . . Complete story »
‘Energy firm is ignoring local needs’ – Councils launch fierce attack in substation row
Two Suffolk councils have criticised Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) for ignoring growing concern over plans to construct a massive substation in the county. The plans, which could result in five miles of countryside being dug up for cables to reach the station in Friston, have already faced strong opposition from the local community. Now Suffolk County Council (SCC) and Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) are calling for energy firms to better coordinate their plans to reduce disruption in east Suffolk. . . . Complete story »
Kirkby Moor Protectors unite in bid to defeat wind farm appeal
A protest group have been formed to unite angry residents, parish council groups and existing organisations in a bid to end the lifespan of “conspicuous” wind turbines. Kirkby Moor Protectors (KMP) will present evidence against granting planning approval to Ventient Energy to extend the lifespan of 12 turbines between Broughton and Ulverston. In December last year, South Lakeland District Council denied the company permission to extend the lifespan of the wind farm until 2027 with six councillors to five voting . . . Complete story »
Why fighter jet crash has wind farm protesters worrying about ‘radioactive risk’ 22 years later
Farmer’s land which is due to be dug up for offshore windfarm cables has previously carried a “radioactive risk” following a plane crash 22 years ago, secret documents reveal today. Vattenfall, the firm behind proposals for the massive windfarm off the east Norfolk coast, has been criticised after it emerged it did not even know about the crash on land near Necton – and that it plans to carry on with the dig regardless. The company has allayed the fears . . . Complete story »
Norfolk council to appeal High Court ruling over wind turbines, despite potential cost
A Norfolk council will appeal a decision not to hold a public inquiry into controversial plans for two wind turbines. Last week it was announced that the High Court had overturned an appeal by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) into the Bodham and Selbrigg turbines. The court ruled that the next stage of the planning process would involve written representations rather than a public inquiry. The council wants to give the public the chance to make their point directly to . . . Complete story »
