[FenMan]

This is to let you know that North Kesteven District Council has received an application for a 70 metre high wind monitoring mast at land on Six Hundreds Farm, East Heckington.

Any comments you wish to make on the above application must be submitted within 21 days from the date of September 10th 2009

Important: Please contact North Kesteven District Council Planning Services for guidance on how to comment on planning applications. Tel. 01529 414155.

If you wish to look at the application and plans, they can be seen by visiting the Council Chamber at Eastgate Heckington, or by making an appointment with the Heckington Parish Council Clerk on 01529 460174

Heckington Parish Office Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday 9am-4pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am-12 noon
last Monday every month 5pm-6pm

The plans are also available at the Council Offices at Sleaford.

[Lovetheview]

Hi,
my neighbour has just been to show me the new outline for the proposed development. It's enormous, and stretches almost up to the boundaries of the houses in East Heckington & Side Bar lane. I can't verify this myself today as I can't get to Sleaford. Could another member please just double check this. The new outline appears to run from Side Bar Lane to Six Hundreds Drove, following the properties along the A17 and the whole width of the land at the rear edge, forming almost a square.
I hope this time he's wrong, but I've never known him get things wrong before.

sorry it looks like bad news at present,

Lovetheview

[JamieB]

Hi Lovetheview,

We would just like to clarify that there has been no change to the area which is being considered for the development of wind turbines. This area was identified on the plan which accompanied our initial consultation with residents and is available to view on our website at http://www.ecotricit....uk/wind-parks/ click on Heckington Fen.

The blue line on the plan which has been submitted to North Kesteven District Council in connection with our planning application for the wind mast identifies the extent of Bramall Estates land ownership. This is a legal requirement of the planning application process. However, the extent of ownership is not related to the area which is being considered for the siting of wind turbines.

regards

ecotricity

[Fenbeagle]

hi Ecotricity
Nice to meet you, I have some questions for you, over time (I hope you don't mind?)
My first Question, after viewing the details on your Website, concerns the figures given for the number of houses 'supplied'. You are claiming that 50,000 houses will be supplied by your proposal (a proposal for 50mw generated) is this correct? If so, could you supply, on this Forum, please, a complete breakdown, in laymans terms, of how this would be achieved? How many houses are you expecting to be able to supply (per MW). What is your anticipated loading figure, for this site? How much energy are you expecting a house to use, in order to arrive at these figures?
In what way are you expecting to store the energy you produce, in order to feed this energy out to houses? Clearly you will not be able to provide energy to houses on days of low wind speed?... Correct me if I'm wrong? Could you supply a complete breakdown of your energy outputs, at different windspeeds, up and down the scale? At what point (what wind speeds)does your system cut out, and not provide any energy? How will the 50,000 houses recieve their energy when this happens?
Would it be true, to describe your system as a Top Load system? If so, what does this mean in laymans terms?
Does your Operation require electricity itself, when the wind is blowing, or not? If so, how much electricity would it require (per Turbine?) Where would this electricity come from?
I'm sorry, I seem to have asked a lot, from you, on my first question? So I will come back to other questions later.
kindest regards
Fenbeagle

[Fenbeagle]

hi JamieB
Sorry, one more thing.... I realise you have not yet given any Turbine positions, as yet, or even an exact figure of how many Turbines there will be (although you do seem to know, how many houses they will supply?) It just concerned me, that the outer edges, of the development area, you have posted, seems to be within a kilometre of several homes and buildings? You are aware, in siting your Turbines, of reports and recommendations suggesting siting distances for Industrial Wind Turbines? The UK noise association, for instance, which recommends 1 mile as a minimum distance to a dwelling? Or the National Academy of medicine of France, which recommends setbacks of 1.5kilometers. Or possibly Scottish planning Advice notice 45, which currently advises 2 km as the minimum distance between Industrial Wind farms and residential areas? Presumably, you will be mindful, of these, and other reports from around the world, when choosing the actual siting distances to peoples homes?
best wishes
Fenbeagle

[Fenbeagle]

As an addition, and illustration, to my first question. (Concerning electricity provided). I notice, today, that current windspeeds from the BBC weather feed over Boston is 3mph, Over Spalding, 3mph. The XC Weather windobserationmap has current windspeed arrows, over the Heckington area of 1 to 2 mph. These low wind speeds are being experienced across the whole of Britain (with the exception of the Northern Irish Coast, where they are a little better) The Wind Farm Turbines at Bicker, are standing Idle. The small domestic Wind Turbine, I can also see from my house, is idle. Should I draw any conclusions from this, about your claim to be able to provide Electricity to 50,000 homes? Perhaps it will be windier tomorrow?

[Kyme View]

Sorry ... no wind today, Sunday 20th Sept. The Bicker 13 are a at a standstill. Surprise Surprise.

Kyme View

[JamieB]

Fenbeagle, on 19 September 2009 - 10:24 AM, said:

As an addition, and illustration, to my first question. (Concerning electricity provided). I notice, today, that current windspeeds from the BBC weather feed over Boston is 3mph, Over Spalding, 3mph. The XC Weather windobserationmap has current windspeed arrows, over the Heckington area of 1 to 2 mph. These low wind speeds are being experienced across the whole of Britain (with the exception of the Northern Irish Coast, where they are a little better) The Wind Farm Turbines at Bicker, are standing Idle. The small domestic Wind Turbine, I can also see from my house, is idle. Should I draw any conclusions from this, about your claim to be able to provide Electricity to 50,000 homes? Perhaps it will be windier tomorrow?

Hi Fenbeagle

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on these questions.

To derive the figures for the numbers of households that the site could theoretically supply we use the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) http://stats.berr.go...ts/dukes08.pdf. These provided capacity factors for the wind generation fleet and typical consumption figures for UK households. The most recent capacity factor for average UK wind generation is 29.4%.

We use the ‘medium' UK domestic electricity consumption of 3,300kWh/pa as derived by OFGEM as an industry standard. Although the turbine numbers and types have not been finalised we have based our calculation on the site being able to accommodate around 30 turbines each with an output of between 2 -2.5MW.

Energy produced on this site would not be stored but would be transmitted directly to the National Grid. The National Grid is balanced using a portfolio of generation types which ensures that peaks and troughs in supply and demand can be smoothed out. Details of how this works can be found at this link
http://www.nationalg...Consulation.pdf

Different types of turbine have different cut-in and cut-out wind speeds for generation. As we have not defined the type of turbine which we would be considering for this site we cannot supply the figures which you have asked for. In the past we have used Enercon turbines which typically have a cut-in speed of around 2.5m/s with a generating plateau of around 12m/s. Cut-out speeds would typically be around 30m/s.

We are not exactly sure what you mean by Top Loader system. Perhaps you could clarify this for us.

The turbines do have a rechargeable battery back-up which is self-charging. This operates some of the turbine control and operating systems.

The location of the turbines will be guided by our Environmental Impact Assessment which will consider noise, landscape and other potential impacts. This criteria based approach to siting is consistent with the guidance set out in PPS22 Renewable Energy which does not advocate specific distances between dwellings and turbines.

I hope this information is of assistance to you.

regards

ecotricity

[ekky]

JamieB, on 22 September 2009 - 10:40 AM, said:

Hi Fenbeagle

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on these questions.

To derive the figures for the numbers of households that the site could theoretically supply we use the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) http://stats.berr.go...ts/dukes08.pdf. These provided capacity factors for the wind generation fleet and typical consumption figures for UK households. The most recent capacity factor for average UK wind generation is 29.4%.

We use the 'medium' UK domestic electricity consumption of 3,300kWh/pa as derived by OFGEM as an industry standard. Although the turbine numbers and types have not been finalised we have based our calculation on the site being able to accommodate around 30 turbines each with an output of between 2 -2.5MW.

Energy produced on this site would not be stored but would be transmitted directly to the National Grid. The National Grid is balanced using a portfolio of generation types which ensures that peaks and troughs in supply and demand can be smoothed out. Details of how this works can be found at this link
http://www.nationalg...Consulation.pdf

Different types of turbine have different cut-in and cut-out wind speeds for generation. As we have not defined the type of turbine which we would be considering for this site we cannot supply the figures which you have asked for. In the past we have used Enercon turbines which typically have a cut-in speed of around 2.5m/s with a generating plateau of around 12m/s. Cut-out speeds would typically be around 30m/s.

We are not exactly sure what you mean by Top Loader system. Perhaps you could clarify this for us.

The turbines do have a rechargeable battery back-up which is self-charging. This operates some of the turbine control and operating systems.

The location of the turbines will be guided by our Environmental Impact Assessment which will consider noise, landscape and other potential impacts. This criteria based approach to siting is consistent with the guidance set out in PPS22 Renewable Energy which does not advocate specific distances between dwellings and turbines.

I hope this information is of assistance to you.

regards

ecotricity

The lenchwick wind turbine application is going in in November and SPR are proposing to site them as near as 508metres from the nearest dwelling. Scottish/Spanish firm and they are not considering any guidelines. There are approx 600 people near this site who will be under 1000km away, quite a few within 750/850m.

[Fenbeagle]

hi JamieB
Thank you for your prompt and polite reply, which endeavours to answer some of the questions I am concerned about. I am particularly keen to read the Digest of UK statistics Dukes, as your suggestion, but the link does not seem to work? Is it the correct link? I will obviously study the 'Operating the Electricity Transmission Networks in 2020, initial Consultation' as you suggest, and come back with further questions, after study. Am I to understand, that, in actual fact, you do not have a working plan, worked out for this development yet? Either, in number of Turbines to be used, Size of Turbines, to be used, Nor even make or model of Turbines, to be used? Although, feel it not misleading to state its capabilities in advance?
You intend to supply all energy to the grid, as and when it is produced, to be used wherever it can be directed (not necessarily to houses? not necessarily for local use?) There will be times when you will be producing considerably less energy than other times.....possibly nil? Exact figures not yet available. That you cannot supply exact details for the energy requirements of the system itself, or fully account for the electricity it will use itself? Although some of it will be provided by a self charging battery.
You have based your calculations on 29.4% of capacity. This being a UK average for wind generation? Is this a figure for Onshore only systems? Or does it include figures for Offshore Wind operations? From The Coast of Northern Ireland Perhaps, or Western Scotland? It seems a little high, as compared with Operating figures available on the Renewable Energy Foundation Website. I note that operating figures given for August and September of last year are published on this site, as being 19.3% and 16.6% for Bicker Fen Windfarm your immediate neighbour. Would it not be better to use estimated figures derived from Wind Projects in the area, already operating, rather than a UK average, including sites that are in no way similar to the site in question?
You reserve the right to place the turbines, based on your own investigations, and do not intend to consider the studies and recommendations of other reports, or necessarily the feelings of the residents themselves.
To what extent will your investigations consider concerns raised about low-frequincy radiation or Vibro-Acoustic effects?

[JamieB]

Hi Fenbeagle

Apologies about the link. Try this one instead.

regards

ecotricity
http://www.berr.gov..../page18527.html

[Fenbeagle]

thank you again JamieB, for your prompt reply. (That Link works.)
Could you confirm my understanding of your candidate (Enercon) Turbine please? They will start working at wind speeds of 5.6mph (but stand idle, at wind speeds below?)
They will reach their full operating potential (2-2.5mw) at wind speeds of 26.8mph?
They will shut down at wind speeds of 67.1mph (but operate up to this wind speed?)
these figures being conversions of the figures you gave me above in meters per second
would this candidate model, be the Enercon E-70 2.3mw Turbine?
thank you again for your time and patience

[concerned]

FenMan, on 10 September 2009 - 04:53 PM, said:

This is to let you know that North Kesteven District Council has received an application for a 70 metre high wind monitoring mast at land on Six Hundreds Farm, East Heckington.

Any comments you wish to make on the above application must be submitted within 21 days from the date of September 10th 2009

Important: Please contact North Kesteven District Council Planning Services for guidance on how to comment on planning applications. Tel. 01529 414155.

If you wish to look at the application and plans, they can be seen by visiting the Council Chamber at Eastgate Heckington, or by making an appointment with the Heckington Parish Council Clerk on 01529 460174

Heckington Parish Office Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday 9am-4pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am-12 noon
last Monday every month 5pm-6pm

The plans are also available at the Council Offices at Sleaford.

[concerned]

Well the Planning Committee approved the Monitoring Mast as was expected - I think that the vote was 19 to 4 in favour. The frustrating thing about the meeting was that only the matter of the mast that was allowed to be discussed and mention of the following wind farm could not be considered. What the point of a mast without a wind farm was not debated. Councillor Roberts galantly tried to get the matter of the wind farm considered but was effectively silenced by the chairman. He pointed out that when the planning for the wind farm eventually comes about the local committee would not consider it as it would go straight to central government. Such is our democracy.


Various photos were presented to the meeting and interestingly the picture of the access point showed the A17 without a single vehicle on it - I wonder how long somebody had to wait for that, considering how many thousand (60k was mentioned to me today) vehicles use that road every day.

I have been told that the interesting thing about the meeting was that if it had been about the wind farm and not the mast, permission would never have been granted but of course that decision will never be made. Maybe the conservatives, if they form the government, will live up to their promise to return decisions to local authorities. Watch for Ecotricity to put in a planning application before the election!

It was a shame that the Parish council chose not to make any comments for the meeting.

[concerned]

FenMan, on 10 September 2009 - 04:53 PM, said:

This is to let you know that North Kesteven District Council has received an application for a 70 metre high wind monitoring mast at land on Six Hundreds Farm, East Heckington.

Any comments you wish to make on the above application must be submitted within 21 days from the date of September 10th 2009

Important: Please contact North Kesteven District Council Planning Services for guidance on how to comment on planning applications. Tel. 01529 414155.

If you wish to look at the application and plans, they can be seen by visiting the Council Chamber at Eastgate Heckington, or by making an appointment with the Heckington Parish Council Clerk on 01529 460174

Heckington Parish Office Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday 9am-4pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am-12 noon
last Monday every month 5pm-6pm

The plans are also available at the Council Offices at Sleaford.

[concerned]

As already reported permission was granted to erect the monitoring mast and things have gone quiet since then.
Keep checking as things will move later and we will give notice of plans as they are made

[concerned]

concerned, on 29 October 2009 - 04:06 PM, said:

As already reported permission was granted to erect the monitoring mast and things have gone quiet since then.
Keep checking as things will move later and we will give notice of plans as they are made

[concerned]

Ecotricity have informed some living in Side Bar Lane, and maybe others, that they will be contacting the Department of Energy and Climate Change to make an application for the go ahead for the windfarm.

I realise that I do not know all the ins and outs of this business but I understood that the monitoring mast, for which planning permission was given, was to be installed to measure the wind etc. to see if the location was suitable. Permission was granted for up to 2 years to obtain data. That was in October and now just 1 month later application is going to made to central government and that once the application has been submitted they will be able to continue with the necessary studies. That seems to me to be the wrong way round. Why ask the government to spend time considering a plan that may be unsuitable?

I seem to remember suggesting that the programme would be accelerated so that application would be made while the present government is in power as they have taken away from the local authorities the right to make these decisions and the conservatives have suggested that they will return decisions to the local authority.(Sorry for the looong sentence!): That is what seems to be happening.

You can see the Bicker 13 turbines from mile away, just think of the effect of 30 turbines would be.