Anger over plans for wind turbine at Carlisle academy school
Last updated at 11:56, Thursday, 03 September 2009
Outrage over plans to build an 18 metre high wind turbine at the new Morton Academy in Carlisle could damage community relationships, it is feared.
At an exhibition of plans for the new £25 million academy at the Wigton Road school, residents spoke of their concerns over the inclusion of a turbine in the proposals.
Ward councillor Joe Hendry fears the plan now lodged with Cumbria County Council by developers Keir Group could create tension between nearby householders and the school. “We have built up a huge amount of good will between the school and the local community and I’m just concerned that we will lose that relationship because people are so upset,” he said.
“There are a lot of people concerned about [the turbine] and I can well understand that. There is a lot of strong feeling and my phone has not stopped ringing about it.
“I just don’t think it is appropriate in an urban setting to have a wind turbine. Communication is the real issue here and I think that is vital. I would urge them to rethink.”
Chris Tampion, of Haycock Lane, lives close to the school field where the turbine would be built. He said: “There’s always been a school here and it will be nice to see it enhanced. But all we are concerned about it the turbine. What about noise?”
Hebdon Avenue resident Len Armstrong has lived overlooking the school field for 32 years. He said: “I do not want this turbine. The look of it is just ugly, big and out of place. I am objecting to this 100 per cent.”
Caroline Roberts and husband Mike, of Whitfell Avenue, described the 11KW turbine, intended to generate some of the school’s power, as a “white elephant”. Mr Roberts said: “The average wind speed of 5.4m per second which is what’s been measured for the site, means it will generate enough to power a couple of kettles.”
Architects for the project defended the turbine and said it was just one part of ensuring the school was built to government sustainability requirements.
Gary Wilde, of BDP architects, said: “We are trying a number of things including burning biomass fuel. We are pre-heating hot water with solar collectors on the school roof.
“One of the positive attributes of the wind turbine is that it ensures the scheme is wearing its sustainability badge on its sleeve and it can be accessed as a learning tool for the pupils.”
He added that the proposed school build for the site of the existing building had attracted positive comments overall.
Academy leaders say the design will help inspire youngsters, raise standards and help regenerate the city. Features include a roof garden where small, outdoor classes can be held. Educational areas include a large theatre; an art studio and workshops where youngsters will use manufacturing and engineering equipment as part of the academy’s efforts to get them ready for the world of work.
It is expected that the county council’s development control committee will consider the plan in November with a view to work starting in February.
Headteacher at the academy, Katie Robinson, said all community views will be considered. “All of the comments that we got about the new building were overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
“It is going to look brilliant and sing an opera for education.
“People do have reservations about the wind turbine. But part of the philosophy for the new build was to make is as sustainable as possible.”
A 20m chimney already on the school site is taller than the proposed turbine. Ms Robinson added: “It is not a big turbine like in the Solway Firth. We would have loved everybody to have agreed with the concept, but this is what the planning process is for.
“We are a community school – we are the product of the people that live around us and we need to make sure we work together.”
It is hoped that the academy will be open to pupils by September 2011.
The plans are on show at Morton Manor Community Centre, Wigton Road, until next Friday.
First published at 11:34, Thursday, 03 September 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
We can't have wind turbines because the look bad.
Can't have Oli because it's running out and we don't want to be in the hands of dodgy Arab countriesCan't have coal because it will make the world into a greenhouse and we'll all dieCan't have Nuclear because we'll all die of radiation sicknessCan't use wave because it spoils the view (again)Everytime someone comes up with a solution, there are an army of people with objections - but funnily enough, no suggestions of thier own.....I think every home in the country should have a small wind turbine, it's no more ugly that a satalite dish, or a Digital TV arial. If we all did our own little bit to lighten the burden then the power companies wouldn't have such a hold over us, we'd be a little more responsible for ourselves and we could start to leave our door unlocked again.......Oh dear, I'm dreaming again - as if we could actually agree on something as serious as future power provision....View all 25 comments on this article
Have your say
So Morton Academy want a turbine but are up against people saying it will be an eyesore.
Simple solution,have one erected at an already established windfarm and maintain it there,the electricity it produces can then be deducted from or credited to the schools bill.
There'd be no need for any wind speed testing costing thousands (existing farms are established in the windiest locations already),no people twineing about eyesores and what harm can one more turbine do at an existing windfarm?
Any complaints now?
Pirelli factory wants one of these too,why hasn't any of the 'brains' there thought of this idea?
Posted by rob on 16 September 2009 at 11:01