Changes to proposed wind farm scheme

In January this year the company displayed initial plans for a wind farm at the Old River Don site, west of Crowle, close to the existing 22-turbine Tween Bridge wind farm operated by Eon, at public exhibitions held in Crowle.

Around 60 people attended events at Crowle Community Hall and Crowle Community Hub to see the plans and to ask questions about the scheme.

At last week’s Crowle and Ealand Town Council meeting, representatives of REG Windpower attended to update about the scheme.

Councillors were told that the number of turbines proposed at the location has now been reduced from seven to six.

And two turbines that were previously shown as being nearest to the main Crowle residential area have been removed. One has been scrapped completely and the other has a new position further west away from the town.

If the turbine proposals go ahead, a community fund will be set up based on £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, per year, councillors heard. This could result in potential funds of £60,000 per year within the scheme for good causes,

Simon Morgan from REG Windpower said: “Following the consultation and environmental studies to date, we have decided to reduce the number of turbines proposed at Old River Don to six.”

“Before we submit a planning application to North Lincolnshire Council later this year we will consider all feedback and update residents at further information sessions. We’re excited about the potential to generate clean, safe energy at Old River Don, with benefits for the local community.”

“If the scheme is approved a community fund will be established to make significant sums of money available to the local communities and we’d like to hear residents’ ideas for the fund.”

Deputy Mayor of the town council, Coun Ron Stewart, told Mr Morgan: “We are not interested in the capacity of the wind farm, we are interested in any benefits for the local community.

“What is the likelihood of this being taken over by another company?”

Mr Morgan said no takeover is planned as the company owns and operates 14 wind farms. Some projects are commissioned, he added.