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12 September 2003
More Planning Successes
Wind Prospect has been having a dazzling run of successes
with another two sites approved in the last fortnight. This
brings their 2003 tally to four onshore approvals (64.5MW)
and one offshore approval (90MW), making them the most successful
wind energy developer in the UK so far this year.
Their most recent success was the Bicker Fen Wind Farm, in
Boston Borough, which was approved this week and will consist
of 13 x 2MW turbines (26MW). The project will generate as
much energy as consumed by 15,700 homes on average and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 70,000 tonnes per year.
The Gedney Marsh Windcluster was approved a fortnight earlier
by South Holland District Council. This project will consist
of 6 x 1.75MW turbines, generating as much energy as consumed
by 6,300 homes on average and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by 26,000 tonnes.
James Pennay, Development Manager for the Bicker Fen Wind
Farm said:
"Over a two year development period we have conducted
comprehensive public consultations including wind farm tours,
liaison group meetings and public meetings and exhibitions.
Every effort has been made to take into account local
ideas relating to our projects, which has resulted in the
concepts such as a new 1km village by-pass track to mitigate
the impact of construction traffic.
Boston Borough Council is out of the starting blocks in
the run to becoming more sustainable. With our Windfall scheme,
we will work with the local people to finalise plans for funding
public information and education schemes and community initiatives
relating to renewable energy and conservation. This really
is great for the local community.
Also associated with this site will be the opportunity
for local people to invest in wind energy from as little as
£250-500 through Fenland Green Power Investments.
With over 150MW approved this year, we are optimistic
that our strategic approach will bring more success in the
future."
Richard Barker, Development Manager for the Gedney Marsh
Wind Farm said:
"Our principle directors had the vision to start assessing
the Fens six years ago. These recent successes are a result
of identifying suitable sites and conducting in depth analysis
and extensive public consultation, ensuring high quality planning
applications.
It's extremely satisfying to see the results of everyone's
hard work, both from a company perspective and in terms of
increasing renewable energy capacity in the UK.
Following on from last years success of project managing
the construction of 60% of the UK's commissioned capacity,
we are aspiring to maintain a large portion of the market
share in the future. On top of this, we are now operating
over 40 turbines."
Ends.
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