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Peel Energy is committed to fostering good relations with the communities in which we operate.
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From the inception of a project through to decommissioning, Peel Energy seeks to minimise the impact on, and build a positive relationship with, those in the vicinity of an energy project by:
- assessing sensitive receptors near the site, for example, for noise and visual impact
- designing the layout of the site and choosing equipment to minimise any potential impact
- applying considerate construction principles
- getting involved with the community throughout the life of the project, for example, through recreation, education, employment and community funds.
Communities can benefit directly from an energy project in their area through a number of mechanisms.
At Scout Moor, for example, Peel Energy encourages environmental and energy studies in local schools by supporting visits to the wind farm. We are also providing funding to enhance the environment and habitats on up to 500 hectares of land within the surrounding area. Funds will be available to local landowners to help them create biodiverse habitats such as upland blanket bog and areas suitable for skylarks and wading birds on the moorland fringe.
At Sheerness, we used local ideas to define a Sheppey Green Grant Fund for the wind farm. The low-carbon fund will be made available to the community over the 25-year lifetime of the wind farm. A committee or trust made up of local people will determine the distribution of the funds. Individuals or community groups will apply for grants to be used for projects that have a direct environmental impact. For example, a community group may apply to have its minibus converted to run on bio-diesel, or a youth group may want solar panels installed at its centre. It would be up to the committee to determine each application on its merit and administer the funds. Funds would be available for all homes and community groups that fall within a defined area around the wind farm.
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