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Work on Sixpenny Wood wind farm starts
An artist's impression of the Sixpenny Wood site at Balkholme, which is to become a windfarm.
WORK on the controversial Sixpenny Wood Wind Farm, at Balkholme, is to begin at the end of the month, it has been announced.
AES Wind Generation says that construction contracts have now been agreed for their ten turbine development just off the B1230.
The Balance of Plant contract, which involves all civil works and the main on-site electrical installation, has been awarded to Jones Bros, while Natural Power will be AES’ Engineer on site.
REpower will be supplying turbines for the wind farm. Ten of its MM92 turbines will be installed (2.05MW each) which are 125m tall.
The company says that throughout the construction phase there will be some additional traffic using the route to the site.
However, it states, this will mainly take the form of normal HGVs. Between February and October the site will be prepared for the arrival of the turbines.
The turbines are expected to be delivered and installed during October and November this year.
Bridget McNulty, project manager for Sixpenny Wood Wind Farm, said: “We are pleased that we will soon be starting work at the site.
“The contractors we have chosen are very experienced and we are confident that they will meet our high standards throughout this construction period.”
“We expect the wind farm to be operating in February 2013, at which time it will provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 11,500 average households.”
Despite a long-running campaign among local residents, councillors and other supporters, Sixpenny Wood was given permission on appeal two years ago after being refused by East Riding Council.
In his report, planning inspector Philip Major said he had “no doubt” that the turbines would have an “adverse” impact on the landscape “irrespective of whether they are seen as a positive feature in the struggle against climate change”.
More than 90 properties will have their views significantly changed but Mr Major said the farm’s prominence “does not necessarily equate to harm”.
East Riding Councillor and Gilberdyke resident Paul Robinson told the Courier: “The communities of Laxton, Kilpin and Eastrington, as well as Balkholme, will be affected by the turbines which will be a totally overwhelming feature of the landscape.
“Neighbouring parish councils as well as local residents were against the development, as well as MP David Davis and MEP Godfrey Bloom but there was a certain inevitability about it all.”
In October, campaigners in Spaldington lost their fight against one of two applications to build a total of 12 turbines in their midst, following a four week public inquiry, held in Goole.
If residents have any questions or concerns about the construction at Sixpenny Wood, they are invited to contact AES on freephone 0800 707 6859.
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Weather for Goole
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
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norfolkboy14
Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 08:29 AMWe need to get the Government onside, as well as local councils and others, if we are going to stop these wind turbines being built. Are you disillusioned by rising electricity prices, over dependence on the "green" dream [especially uneconomical and inefficient wind farms] and the destruction of our countryside then please register your objection to the Government by GOOGLING "E-PETITION 22958" and following the link. Please pass this message on to Councillors, members of your community and anyone else you know to persuade them to sign up too. If you are really concerned about wind turbines please write a letter promoting this petition to your community newsletters and the Editors of your local newspapers.
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