Airport an wind farm 'not talking'
31.05.08
Negotiations have collapsed between Norwich Airport and developers of Hempnall wind farm, the Diss Express reports. Both Enertrag UK and the airport have accused each other of being completely uncooperative, with the development bogged down in a bitter war of words. They have not been in contact for 4 months.
The two companies are in dispute over how plans for 7 wind turbines, measuring up to 125m, on land on Busseys Loke would affect the airport's operations. Norwich Airport Operations Director Elliot Summers said the airport's principle concern was the turbines showing up on the radar as they turned to face the wind. He said it would be confusing because aircraft can fly in the area without contacting the airport's air traffic control
He told the newspaper: ‘If the wind farm is built, we may have to avoid Hempnall by 5 miles and that could create more noise in other areas,’ but said the airport could not make a final decision whether to object to the development until they had more information.'
He added: ‘I have found Enertrag to be the most uncooperative wind farm developer I have ever met. They have tried and failed to consult with us properly.’
David Linley, manager of projects at Enertrag's Diss office agreed negotiations had not gone well. He told the newspaper: ‘The airport has been most unhelpful.'
He said that there was no safety issue regarding air traffic with the wind farm and said a previous appeal against the airport on a similar issue about a development in Guestwick had found in Enertrag's favour.
Mr Linley also said he was not concerned if the airport objected to the plans. He added: ‘I have no worries at all regarding Norwich Airport. If we had an objection from the Ministry of Defence I would be more worried, but as far as we are concerned we don't have any worries at all about going ahead.’
The application is expected to be determined by South Norfolk Council in late July or early August.
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