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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 considering a wind farm of 8 turbines, with a maximum potential capacity of 16MW. Each turbine would have a maximum height of 100m. It would have the capacity to generate electricity for about x,000 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 before the planning application is submitted.
Site Feasibility Assessment and Environmental Scoping
A study of the proposed site has been commissioned to look at various technical, environmental and planning issues including: visual impact, wind speed, noise, the local environment, the landscape, local ecology and the archaeology of the surrounding area.
As part of the assessment, we have consulted 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.
The studies have been 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.
Public Consultation
Local consultation is an integral part of our planning and development process and we have shared our plans with the local community. A two day exhibition of our plans was held at Longframlington Memorial Hall in Morpeth in November 2008.
As part of our work, we have consulted various statutory bodies, including Alnwick District Council, Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Northumberland County Council and English Nature as well as various commercial firms and public bodies such as the MoD, Home Office, the mobile phone companies, NATS and the CAA.
A formal Statement of Community Involvement will form part of the planning application that we make.
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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