Plan for 12 turbines between Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Plan for 12 turbines between Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden

5:16pm Friday 11th December 2009

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PLANS for a windfarm on the moors between Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden have been unveiled, including a dozen 120-metre-high turbines.

The initial bid to site 24 turbines on the moors near Grane Road has been down-graded from a 24-turbine project since the proposals were first raised two years ago.

Now applicants Energie Kontor say a range of measures will be put in place, should plans be approved, to restore the moor-land by re-wetting the peatland.

The company has also announ-ced a project website where residents can get up-to-date information on how plans are progressing and the ongoing public consultation.

And there will be a ‘Commu-nity Fund’ of approximately £100,000 which will be donated to Hyndburn environmental charity, the Prospects Found-ation, during the 25-year life-time of the windfarm.

Energie Kontor said it was in discussions with Natural Engl-and, Lancashire County and Hyndburn Borough councils to agree a ‘moor restoration and management plan’. The firm said the peat on Oswaldtwistle Moor was shallow as much of it has been artificially drained in the past.

It said the moor was current-ly of relatively-low ecological value but that it could be restored by removing grazing in the short term and introduc-ing a series of measures to re-wet the peatland.

UK general manager, Peter Harrison, said: “We are pleased with the overall public response as many local people understand the importance of renewable energy in averting climate change.

“They recognise that a wind farm on Oswaldtwistle Moor will make an important contrib-ution towards reducing the dependency on environment-ally harmful fossil fuels.”

Opponents of the windfarm, who formed an action group, have vowed to fight the plans.

Stuart Kaufman, of the Hyndburn Windfarm Group, said: “Obviously the campaign now really kicks in. Now they have put their application in, we have something to oppose.”

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Your Say YourTelegraph

pip-pip, says...
11:44pm Fri 11 Dec 09

"And there will be a ‘Commu-nity Fund’ of approximately £100,000 which will be donated to Hyndburn environmental charity, the Prospects Found-ation, during the 25-year life-time of the windfarm."

Not quite the full story - it will be £100,000 PER YEAR, inflation proofed, for 25 years. This will be money we the customers will have to pay on our bills and our income tax, as the government subsidises Energie Kontor to make the project financially viable for them.
And how can HBC make an impartial planning decision when they are joined at the hip with Prospects who, if the 'right' decision is taken, will be £2.5m better off.