INVESTIGATIONS are being conducted into the potential for siting a wind farm at Batsworthy Cross, south of Knowstone and the A361 in North Devon1.
The site, being developed by npower renewables, is likely to comprise up to 9 wind turbines with a total capacity of 18 megawatts - that's enough to power some 8,000 homes each year, equal to a fifth of all the homes in North Devon.
Not only would Batsworthy Cross supply a huge number of homes with clean electricity, it would also make a significant contribution towards Devon's adopted target of achieving 151 megawatts of installed renewable energy generation by 2010. With only 23 megawatts installed so far, Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm would contribute a further 12% of Devon's adopted renewable energy generation target - nearly doubling current contributions.
Simon Holt, development manager at npower renewables, said; "This site offers serious inroads into achieving a sustainable future for Devon. We have spent a lot of time and effort finding Batsworthy Cross and feel it is both sensibly located and suitably sized for its surroundings. With Devon's fantastic resources for renewable energy barely tapped, it is proposals like this that we must be looking towards."
As part of the development process npower renewables has signed up to the South West Public Engagement Protocol for Wind Energy2. Developed by RegenSW, the region's renewable energy agency, in partnership with the South West Local Government Association, South West Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute and Government Office for the South West, the protocol aims to promote effective public engagement between developers, planning authorities and the general public.
Mr Holt continued; "Despite what people may have heard from objector groups or in the papers, Devon has a great record for supporting renewable energy. A recent MORI poll showed 86% were supportive of renewables, compared to just 2% against . I am keen to ensure that everybody has a chance to have their say regarding the scheme."
In line with the public engagement plan npower renewables will be mailing newsletters to the local community over the coming weeks in addition to holding a public exhibition towards the end of November - details of which will be advertised nearer the time.
Contact:
Patrick Spink, npower renewables
Tel: 01189 59 24 40
Notes:
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Information taken from National Census Records. See link:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/18ue.asp
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A copy of the development protocol may be found at
http://www.regensw.co.uk/press/docs-info.asp?catid=23&id=148.
Press Release
