Berwick wind turbine plan either a blunder or hazard

Jun 1 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

School bid looks set to be approved

A NORTHUMBERLAND school’s bid to erect a wind turbine looks set to be approved.

Berwick Environmental Group (BEG) has submitted a planning application for a micro turbine on Newfields village green that would generate enough electricity to supply St Mary’s Church of England First School.

The application goes before Northumberland County Council’s North area planning committee on Wednesday, when members are being recommended to approve.

The structure proposed is 19.8 metres high and would generate 15kw of electricity. It would cost £64,000 to buy and install.

The turbine will supply the school when it is open as well as Newfields Community Centre, and the rest of the time go straight into the national grid powering six homes for which BEG will be paid.

The group will put this money towards developing community facilities on the village green.

The project will also have an educational element for children at St Mary’s who will be able to monitor their carbon savings and see how much energy they are using.

Brian Douglas, founder of BEG and a member of the planning committee, said: "The idea is to put the turbine there to support the school and the community. I think it is a pretty positive scheme." No objections have been lodged to the application.

However Berwick Town Council raised concerns over noise.

Yet the county environmental health officer says noise levels from the turbine will be below guidelines and unlikely to cause nuisance to any nearby properties either residential or commercial.

In recommending approval, the council concludes the proposal would not have an adverse impact upon the urban landscape character of the area, neighbour amenity, highway safety or nature conservation interests.

The meeting takes place at Alnwick council chamber on Wednesday at 6.30pm.