The wind farm at Little Cheyne Court, Romney Marsh (constructed by npower renewables, at a cost of £50million²) will generate enough electricity for approximately 75 per cent of the residents in Shepway, roughly 33,000 people³. Each turbine generating between 52 and 78MW of power, contributing to the 5% of UK domestic power that will be produced from wind power by 2010⁴.

Location

The wind farm is located approximately 2.4 miles from Rye, 3 miles from Lydd and just under a mile from Camber.

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Planning Permission

Planning permission for the wind farm at The Little Cheyne Court was fiercly fought with local campaigners, environmentalists, conversation groups and RPSB and English Nature all arguing against the selection of the site for the wind farm although Greenpeace supported the development. RPSB and English Nature presented a joint case at the public inquiry, arguing that the construction would be a significant risk to wintering and migrating birds at the nearby Dungeness and Pett Levels Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest adjacent to Cheyne Court .

In October 2005 the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry granted permission for the development. In a report, the inquiry inspector decided that there was not a risk of an adverse effect on the integrity of the Special Protection Area. Malcolm Wicks, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said "The Little Cheyne Court wind farm is the latest development in the UK's growing wind sector and I am pleased to announce consent based on a thorough public inquiry earlier this year. Once built, its 26 turbines will generate enough electricity to power 32,000 homes, with substantial savings in carbon dioxide emissions."

Subsequent to the public inquiry local farmer, Philip Merricks, bought a legal challenge against the development arguing the project should be stopped to protect bird populations. Judge Hamilton, hearing the case, however rejected the case The judge said the inspector had correctly applied European Union habitat regulations pointing out that the Trade and Industry minister had agreed with the inspector that the threat to birdlife was at "a very low and acceptable level".⁵

Community Benefits

npower renewables constructing the wind farm at Little Cheyne Court have contributed £56,000 to Romney Marsh organisations. Lydd Allotments has been granted £11,000 for security improvements electrical work; St Nicholas Church of England Primary School in New Romney will get £14,000 towards the costs of solar-powered electricity scheme; Brookland Village Hall has received £11,250 for car park improvements and the creation of a garden area; and Brenzett Church of England Primary School will get up to £14,000 for a nature area.⁶

Construction Diary

June: First wind turbines errected.
Early July: 5 Turbins in place by early July.
July 16th: Next shipment of 48 propella blades transported by road from Chatham on 47meter long tailers.

References

1: http://www.abb.co.uk/cawp/seitp202/229A129F79F5BC058325737C003FB4C9.aspx

2: Npower press release.

3: http://www.natwindpower.co.uk/pressreleases/onshorewind/080523_lcc.pdf

4: BWEA News - Onshore wind powering ahead - new research from BWEA

5: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314608969.html

Pictures reproduced by permission of feersumendjinn: flickr photostream.

Last update : 23-07-2008 06:08

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