Wind Farms
During the past year we have been concerned and involved with 5 Wind Farm applications, all of which have the real possibility of affecting large areas of Nottinghamshire, and most particularly those living close to these sites.
The first was an application for the erection of 10 large wind turbines on a rural site close to Grove, east of Retford. This was refused by Bassettlaw DC in 2006; it was then taken to appeal by the applicant only to be turned down again in June, by the Inspector. About this same time, the residents of Eakring were faced with an application for 7 huge turbines, each 110m high, to be sited very close to their conservation village, in what is now a country area which has only recently been restored after many years of coal mining depredation. This was also refused by the planners at Newark and Sherwood DC. However, a revised application has been submitted for 5 similar turbines, slightly lower in height at 100m. Unfortunately these turbines are situated closest to Eakring. The estimated 4,000 people likely to be affected are none too happy!
Although, with many other organisations, we strongly opposed a controversial application for 5 turbines on agricultural land at Lindhurst to the south of the A617 close to Rainworth, this has recently been approved by Newark & Sherwood DC. Very recently, I have received information about another proposal for a Wind Farm at Thacksons Well, on the Leics/Lincs/Notts border just south of the A1and Long Bennington. What next for our county? Are these inland Wind Farms really necessary?
From recent investigations covering some 500 Wind Turbines installed in England, it has been found that due to fickle wind power, few if any of our Turbines meet anything like the efficiencies claimed by their installers. Undoubtedly, the best place for Wind Farms is offshore, close to coastal cities or towns where transmission losses can be kept to a minimum.
Brooke Sidebottom
Carbon Neutral?
East Midlands Airport have approched North West Leicestershire District Council for permission to install 4 Wind Turbines on site.
They have sought advice from the world leading safety assessment company Qinetiq, and the Civil Aviation Authority in order to ensure safety of their plans, ahead of the planning process.
The Turbines will be situated away from the runway and other operational areas.They will be 31.5 metres tall and will have three 13.5 metre blades. Construction wil be in partnership with the Wind Direct Company.
East Midlands Airport has a commitment to making the ground operations carbon neutral by 2012. This is a first for a UK airport and should be operational by Spring 2008.
Barbara Walker
