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Last week, Peel Energy outlined their proposals for a Wind Farm at the site of the former Asfordby mine. Over the course of two days, almost two hundred members of the local community visited the public drop-in sessions held at Ab Kettleby Community Primary School and The Stute Social Club.
The drop-in sessions are part of an extensive consultation programme that Peel Energy is undertaking.
Peel Energy’s team is currently undertaking extensive environmental studies, including acoustic surveys around the site. Indications at this stage suggest that the site would be a suitable location for up to ten turbines providing a scheme of up to 23MW.
If approved this scheme could generate enough electricity to meet the average needs of more than 8,500 homes – 40% of the households in the Borough of Melton. It would allow Leicestershire to make a significant contribution to national renewable energy targets that aim to secure energy supplies and reduce carbon emissions.
Peel Energy will update its proposals having considered feedback from the council, statutory consultees, parish councils and the local community, and having taken into account the findings of the environmental and technical studies.
The team will then hold a public exhibition to display more detailed information, including results of ecological survey work, acoustic surveys and photomontages of how the Wind Farm would look from a number of viewpoints around the site, prior to submitting a formal planning application to Melton Borough Council.
Patrick Keogh, Development Manager for Peel Energy said:
“The drop-in sessions provided an ideal opportunity to introduce Peel Energy and our proposals. The feedback and local knowledge of those that attended is invaluable in ensuring we are aware of all considerations in the surrounding area.
Many attendees understood our approach of proposing that the former coal mine, once a source of fuel for energy, could now be used for the generation of renewable energy.
We understand, however, that some local residents have concerns and we are working hard to address the issues raised in preparation for the public exhibition in the autumn.”
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