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.
Wind turbine ‘too big and too close to homes’ gets approved
A new turbine is set to be put in place near Truro, three years after it was first granted planning permission. The new turbine is set to be erected on land off Ventonteague, Zelah, after planning approval was granted on Thursday, December 13. Planning permission had originally been given to Cornwall Council for a turbine to be placed at the site in 2015 but that did not go ahead due to changes in the feed-in tariff, a government subsidy for . . . Complete story »
Bid to block 125 metre wind turbine rejected by High Court
After years of struggle, objectors have finally failed in a High Court bid to block erection of a 125-metre wind turbine on a site near Beccles. Leading the fight against the turbine was local landowner, Benjamin Howell, of Crake Hall, and the owners of a local flying club. Objections ranged from concerns over aviation safety to the potential impact on archaeological remains. But judge Sir Ross Cranston has now given the green light to Stamford Renewable Power Ltd to erect . . . Complete story »
‘Wind hoover’ wind turbines to be made bigger – despite ‘making residents lives a misery’
A councillor says approval for plans to increase the size of turbine blades at an East Riding wind farm could encourage other operators to follow suit. German company Energiekontor UK Limited secured permission to extend blade lengths at its nine-turbine site at Withernwick near Aldbrough this week. The company says the longer 43.5 metres blades will increase energy generation at the site by around seven per cent. The plans were approved by East Riding Council’s planning committee despite objections from . . . Complete story »
‘Massive impact’ warning after Friston site chosen for huge power substation
Campaigners were split in their feelings but still worried and angry this afternoon after the preferred site was announced for a massive onshore windfarm substation. ScottishPower Renewables said Grove Wood, Friston, was the “most appropriate location for development” for the connectring base required for its East Anglia TWO and East Anglia ONE North offshore windfarms in the North Sea off Suffolk. The decision comes following an additional consultation period for the projects which also invited comments on an alternative site . . . Complete story »
‘We’ve already done our bit’ – Fears over impact of hundreds more offshore turbines
Hundreds more wind turbines could be built off the Suffolk coast after the region’s seabed was included in a new round of bidding for developers. The Crown Estate announcement has proved divisive, with business leaders welcoming the economic opportunities, while campaigners warn of the environmental impact of onshore infrastructure. Currently, there are two wind farms off Suffolk’s coast, Galloper and Greater Gabbard, featuring 196 turbines. ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) is building the 102-turbine East Anglia ONE and has plans for three . . . Complete story »
Residents’ devastated as ‘vacuum hoover’ wind turbines set to be made bigger
New plans to make several wind turbines bigger in the East Riding look set to be given the go-ahead, despite objections from residents. An application by German company Energiekontor UK Limited to increase the length, rotor diameter and height of nine wind turbines outside of Withernwick has been submitted to East Riding Council. The proposal for Withernwick wind farm, which goes before the council’s planning committee on Thursday, looks set to win approval, subject to conditions. Energiekontor is seeking planning . . . Complete story »
Leaked report warns huge substation could ‘overwhelm’ Suffolk beauty spot
A 30-acre substation would be “extremely challenging” to develop in a Suffolk beauty spot without harming the protected landscape, a leaked report said. Natural England said ScottishPower renewables’(SPR) plans for the Broom Covert site near Leiston, threatened to “overwhelm” the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and “squeeze out” the landscape’s remaining traditional character. SPR included the site in its latest consultation for the East Anglia TWO wind farm project off the Suffolk coast. The substation would comprise 21-metre tall buildings . . . Complete story »
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 »
