We are delighted at the decision by the Government to approve the proposed wind farm in the Swinford and Walcote area.
The Leicestershire wind farm, which will see the erection of 11 turbines, was given the green light by John Denham, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, this week, following a Public Inquiry earlier this year.
Piers Guy, the Head of Development at Nuon Renewables, said: “Nuon Renewables is obviously delighted with the decision to consent the proposed Swinford Wind Farm. We have always felt this was a sensitively designed wind farm in the right place and we would like to thank all of those who have helped us.”
He added: “Just a few days before the world looks to Copenhagen for hope in the battle against dangerous climate change this decision by the Secretary of State sends a strong signal of intent that wind energy must play an important role in winning that battle.”
Will Wason, the Project Manager for the Swinford development, who took the project through planning with Harborough District Council and the planning inquiry, said: “The prospect of building a top class wind farm in the Swinford area is incredibly exciting and Nuon Renewables is keen to get started. We hope to start building in 2011 and have the project completed by 2012. We also look forward to working with local people and establishing the community benefit fund which will provide substantial financial support for sustainable local initiatives throughout 25 year life of the wind farm.”
The Swinford Wind Farm is located between the villages of Swinford and Walcote and will total 27.5 megawatts when built, generating the equivalent annual electricity needs of 14,000 homes.
The proposal for the wind farm was submitted to Harborough District Council in April 2008 but the Council failed to determine the application and so in January 2009 Nuon Renewables appealed to the planning inspectorate. Due the strategic importance of the project the appeal was ‘called in’ by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.