Village gets wind of change

11:48am Thursday 15th May 2008

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A MAJOR wind farm is being planned for a rural village near Nantwich.

Blueprints for the seven-turbine project at Poplar Lane near Woore have been announced by wind energy specialists Nuon Renewables.

The application is supported by a detailed environment statement and will be considered by planning bosses over the coming months.

Brochures about Nuon's interest in the site and the role of wind energy in tackling climate change have been delivered throughout the area and a two-day public exhibition was held in Woore in June last year.

If it goes ahead the 14 megawatt scheme will deliver 28% of the West Midlands renewable energy target by 2010.

Each turbine will be mounted on a 70-metre high column and have three 40-metre blades.

The farm would be expected to produce enough carbon free electricity each year to power 6,000 homes.

This would represent a saving of more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2, compared to a gas-fired power station.

A spokesman said: "Nuon accepts that as tall structure, the wind turbines will introduce a major new element to the local vista, though how such a new feature is perceived will depend on personal opinion.

"We acknowledge that amongst people living closest to the project there are concerns about the possibility of being affected by noise and shadow flicker during the operation of the wind farm."

Construction of the farm would take around nine months and would require occasional maintenance' once up and running.

Project manager Graham Davey said: "The Poplar Lane wind farm will add to the farming landscape of North Shropshire a 21st century symbol of people's commitment to renewable energy.

"We feel that the proposal is of a scale appropriate to the setting and the contemporary rural economy.

"There are of course some genuine concerns that require safeguards, not only in the design of the proposal but in ensuring compliance in the construction and operation of the wind farm.

"It is particularly important that we take steps to avoid the occurrence of any shadow flicker or noise nuisance for neighbours.

"I can assure all concerned that Nuon is a responsible developer and operator and will fully comply with the standards and conditions which will form a key element of the planning consent."

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