24 May 2004

A Century for Wind Prospect

The Wind Prospect team is celebrating more runs on the board, as they have received another planning approval in the Fens. With the go-ahead for the Red Tile Wind Farm, this in effect gives the team a century in the area, with the recent approval of over 110MW of wind energy capacity.

The planning application didn't have a vote cast against it by the Planning Committee at Huntingdonshire District Council, proving that onshore wind energy is being embraced. This project is the fifth to be approved for Wind Prospect in the area over the past year.

The proposal consists of twelve 2MW (24MW) wind turbines and is unique in that nine of the turbines will be on the local Cambridgeshire County Council's land. The other three turbines will be on neighbouring farmer's properties.

On average, the site will provide clean green energy to meet the equivalent needs of over 14,500 homes and prevent approximately 63,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 being discharged into the atmosphere every year. Construction will not commence before spring 2005.

This latest success bolsters Wind Prospect's leading onshore planning record for the last decade to nearly 90% of determined applications.

Richard Barker, Senior Development Manager said: "As a result of extensive public consultation during the selection and design of these suitable wind farm sites, we have now received planning approval for 110MW in the area.

Given that none of the Councillors voted against the project, it really does illustrate that wind farms are wanted by local people and that they are now being embracing whole heartedly.

The company's pioneering spirit and vision has lead to these recent successes. We are looking forward to building these sites in the near future.

James Pennay, Development Manager for the Red Tile Wind Farm said:
"Huntingdonshire District and Cambridgeshire County Councils are both showing their commitment to sustainable development, which is to be applauded. It is very pleasing to be involved with such pro-active Council's and we are looking forward to working with them during the construction and operation phases of the project.

This successful design is a result of extensive studies and consultations. We have had very positive inputs from local people as well as bodies such as the RSPB, which have all assisted in the development. Not only will the County benefit from leasing the land for the turbines, but there will be true environmental gains as well.

In addition, the local community will benefit through the Windfall package that Wind Prospect offers. This will include the setting up of a trust fund for local community projects and the opportunity for local people to invest in wind energy from as little as £250-500 through Fenland Green Power Investments."