Garstang wind turbine plan flies into problems
Published Date:
16 July 2008
PLANS for a £2.5 million giant wind turbine tower south of Garstang have flown into problems - with Blackpool Airport.
Airport chiefs fear the 127 metre high towering turbine mooted for the Dewlay cheese factory off the A6 at Kirkland could hamper their radar - threatening the safety of planes and passengers.
A spokeswoman for the airport, which has both domestic and international flights, and handles thousands of passengers each year, said the airport was worried about the tower showing up on its radar and affecting safety.
The spokeswoman said: "Blackpool International Airport has lodged an objection to the proposed wind turbine because of its adverse impact on radar performance and the potential risk to flight safety.
"The airport's ability to safely route aircraft is of paramount importance."
Dewlay's agents in the project, Lancaster-based Wind Direct, have already been notified of the airport's concerns and responded to them in the documents submitted with their planning application to Wyre Council.
A spokeswoman for Wind Direct said: "The issue of adverse impact on radar performance and any potential risk to flight safety at Blackpool Airport has been covered thoroughly in the supporting documentation.
"Wind Direct believe that there will be no significant negative effect on Blackpool Airport's ability to safely route aircraft.
"We encourage any interested parties to review the extensive information provided within the application supporting documentation."
In its submission to Wyre Council Wind Direct says the airport has not substantiated its worries. Wind Direct also point out the Ministry of Defence has no objections linked to either its military operations or the activities of BAe at Warton.
The airport's concerns will be reported to Wyre Council's planning committee which will consider the wind turbine plan later this summer.
Earlier this year plans for two giant turbines on farmland at Eagland Hill, between Pilling and Nateby, were rejected by Wyre Council.
The company behind that scheme, Cornwall Light and Power, has yet to decide if it intends to appeal against the rejection.
Kirkland Parish Council is to hold a public meeting soon to test local opinion to the wind turbine plan. The date of the meeting has yet to be confirmed.
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Last Updated:
16 July 2008 2:50 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Garstang