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Cheese firm smiling after turbine victory
THE Fylde coast will soon be home to one of Britain's biggest on-shore wind turbines.
Dewlay Cheesemakers factory, near Garstang, has won an appeal to build the 2.4m turbine – which at 127 metres high will be almost as tall as Blackpool Tower.
The decision comes as another company, Cornwall Light and Power, announces it will resubmit a planning application for two wind turbines at Orchard End, near Eagland Hill, Pilling, after carrying out surveys which have confirmed the suitability of the site.
The application for the wind turbines, which could generate up to 9,460 megawatt hours for residents and businesses in the Pilling area, was originally refused by Wyre Council in May 2008.
Steve Allen, development manager at Cornwall Light and Power, said: "We are confident these plans represent one of the best prospects for clean, renewable energy in Wyre.
"We can also reassure local people the new studies we have completed confirm the turbines would not have a detrimental effect on the ecology of the area, including the pink-footed geese population."
The Dewlay wind turbine was also rejected by Wyre Council last year over concerns it would be visually obtrusive and out of character with the countryside area.
But Ruth MacKenzie, appeal planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, found in favour of the development, saying "it would provide all the electricity needed by the cheese factory, and any excess electricity would be exported to the grid".
She added: "Some would see it as an eyesore; others might consider it to be an interesting focal point in an otherwise featureless and flat landscape.
"In my view, it would be an exciting and elegant landmark symbolising the region's commitment to renewable energy.
"In time, I anticipate it could become a symbol of the Fylde's identity, and something which residents and visitors would come to value and enjoy."
Work on the development is expected to begin by the end of the year, with the turbine fully operational by spring 2010.
Nick Kenyon, operations director at Dewlay Cheesemakers on Garstang By Pass Road, said: "At Dewlay we hope this will not only put the region on the map in a positive light, but also prompt other manufacturers nationwide to take their environmental responsibility to the next level."
Dewlay is also hoping to use the turbine as an educational resource for schoolchildren and students to educate them on renewable energy.
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: West
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Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North west
