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Land Ownership
The site is owned by two landowners who are interested in exploring the possibility of a wind farm on their land. The landowners have been paid a nominal sum by Coronation to have an exclusive option agreement on the land.
If we decide to proceed, are successful in getting planning permission and then build and operate the wind farm, we will pay the landowners an annual land rental fee based on a percentage of total revenue generated by the wind farm. This figure is based on industry standard fees.
The Wind Farm Proposal
We are presently considering a wind farm of 10 turbines, with a maximum potential capacity of 30MW. Each turbine would have a maximum height of 125m. It would have the capacity to generate electricity for about 15,500 homes and would contribute towards meeting the North East region's renewable energy targets for Northumberland (212MW by 2010, North East Renewable Energy Strategy 2005).
The precise number, height and location of the turbines will be finalised once our consultations and technical assessments have been completed and we have decided that this site is viable. A comprehensive environmental impact assessment will also be undertaken as part of the planning development process and prior to a planning application being submitted.
Site Feasibility Assessment and Environmental Scoping
A study of the proposed site has been commissioned to look at various planning issues including: the local environment, the landscape, local ecology and the archaeology of the surrounding area. As part of the assessment, we are seeking to consult a number of organisations, including Alnwick District Council and Castle Morpeth Borough Council (the local planning authorities), Northumberland County Council, Northumberland National Park Authority, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, English Nature, English Heritage, the RSPB, the Environment Agency and the Government Office of the North East.
Given the rural nature of the area, and our own commitment to the environment, we feel that it would be prudent and responsible to examine the scheme's potential impact. The study is being carried out by PMSS Ltd, a leading environmental, health & safety and project development firm based in Bath (www.pmss.co.uk) with extensive experience of similar wind projects.
An erection of an anemometer mast to measure the wind speed and wind direction on the site is required as part of the evaluation process. Planning permission for the mast was given in July 2006 by Castle Morpeth Borough Council.
Public Consultation
Local consultation is an integral part of our planning and development process and we are happy to share our plans, listen to people's views, and if appropriate amend our plans accordingly. An exhibition of our plans will be held whilst we carry out our Environmental Impact Assessment and before a full planning application is made.
As part of our scoping work, we are consulting various statutory bodies, including Alnwick District Council, Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Northumberland County Council and English Nature. We are also consulting various commercial firms and public bodies about potential electro-magnetic and air safety issues, such as the MoD, Home Office, the mobile phone companies, NATS and the CAA.
Local Consultation
Consultation with local communities, liaison with local representatives and local councils and dialogue with other interests, is an integral part of Coronation Power's development approach. Coronation Power values its relations with local communities and is committed to sharing information about its plans with local people (via exhibitions, meetings, information material) as well as listening to their views throughout the planning and development process.
In addition a formal Statement of Community Involvement will form part of any planning application that we make.
We have responsibilities to local communities and the local environment, and we will do everything can to address any concerns as well as explore ways to support those people living or working in the vicinity of our windfarms.
Community Benefit
We are keen to explore ways in which local communities can directly benefit from our wind farms and we will seek the views of people about possible ways. One option is the creation of a "Community Fund" managed by local people for local environmental projects; the size of the fund would be based on the generation capacity of each of our wind farms and would exist for the lifetime of the wind farm - up to 25 years. Other ideas and suggestions will be considered.
We are also keen to support the activities of local groups, clubs and civic societies. For example we have sponsored a local karate club tournament, and provided a local scout group with tents in return for their help in delivering leaflets about our exhibitions.
Your views are important so if possible, please complete the on-line questionnaire:
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