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The Frodsham wind farm would bring social and economic benefits beyond generating enough renewable electricity to meet the needs of approximately 28,500 homes and meet local targets. Improved public access, support to the local economy and meeting important regional renewable energy targets are all examples.
Improved access
Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and bird watchers would benefit from improved access to the marshes via the wind farm service tracks. Local people would have an enhanced amenity on their doorsteps.
Local economy
It is possible that the local economy will benefit through visitors coming to see the wind turbines. This would be Cheshire’s first wind farm. The nearest operational wind turbines with public access would be over 40 miles away.
It is also often the case that wind farms temporarily contribute to the local economy during their construction phase, which would be approximately two years in the case of the Frodsham wind farm.
Community benefit fund
A community benefit fund is an established mechanism that enables energy companies to provide direct benefits to local communities affected by developments such as wind farms throughout the life of a scheme.
The community benefit fund is established outside the planning process and can only materialise if the scheme is granted planning permission, constructed and operated.
To date there have been several suggestions for the use of a potential fund, including purchasing and operating an electric school bus, a new community hall, youth recreational facilities and a new swimming pool.
Clearly the anticipated level of funding would only go part of the way to supporting some of these projects and other funds would need to be found.
We encourage you to give your ideas on what the funding could be used for, irrespective of whether you support the wind farm or not, by talking to one of our team members or using the feedback function on the Peel Energy website. |
