Wind farm risk to airport
13.04.08
Newcastle Airport bosses are demanding that the Government introduces stricter planning rules to force wind farm developers to consider radar concerns when applying to build turbines, the Journal reports. The airport is in consultation with Government officers in an attempt to end the costly legal battles that they say could threaten the airport’s future.
With more than £400m a year brought into the North East economy from the airport, its staff believe the time has come for developers to consider the wider impact of their airspace, restricting turbines.
The newspaper reports that the airport and aviation groups are currently fighting a legal battle against 3 energy companies who want to build 59 turbines north of Hexham. The airport has been joioned by the Ministry of Defence and air traffic control bosses in objecting to the proposals, saying the turbines show up on radar, with the resulting safety concerns limiting any future flightpath expansion.
Graeme Mason, the airport's head of planning and corporate affairs, told the newspaper that it was in talks with Government departments and development agency One NorthEast in an attempt to strengthen regional planning powers. He said: ‘In terms of overall flight safety and our capacity, these turbine proposals are raising real concerns.’
A Government planning guideline, PPS22, states renewable-energy companies should check with airports before submitting plans to local councils. This in theory should allow developers to see the problems their turbines could create and avoid lengthy planning battles, but because it is just a guideline, developers can still launch a planning proposal even if the airports have concerns.
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book a newcastle airport hotel or newcastle airport car parking at the lowest price click on these links to newcastle airport car parking and newcastle airport hotel price comparison pages.
