Polegate wind farm could power 7,000 homes
SIX wind turbines could power more than 7,000 homes in the Polegate area if a firm's plan for a wind farm comes to fruition.
Galliford Try Renewables (GTR) is currently assessing the viability of the site, located either side of Shepham Lane.
The company said the wind farm would likely have a capacity of up to 15 megawatts of green power, enough to save around 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year and generate enough clean electricity for to power every home in both Polegate and nearby Westham.
The project is still at an early stage but should GTR's investigations show the site is viable, it will begin the long process leading up to a planning application to Wealden District Council.
A comprehensive consultation programme will also be drawn up and information and events will be made public later in the year.
In the meantime, a website has been launched with initial details of the project, at www.shephamwindfarm.co.uk, where visitors can sign-up to ask questions, make comments and receive updates by e-mail.
Much of the surrounding region is considered to be unsuitable for wind turbines due to a number of landscape constraints, notably the new South Downs National Park and the High Weald and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs), as well as a number of ecologically-sensitive areas.
But GTR said the site near Polegate was outside of any international, national or locally-designated areas of importance and is less sensitive to a wind farm development.
A spokesperson said, "Renewable energy is recognised as part of the UK's energy mix, along with other generating technologies such as nuclear and gas.
"Onshore wind farms play a crucial role in renewable energy generation. The most advanced of the renewable technologies, onshore wind is currently also the most economically viable and it is available now.
"UK-based renewable energy sources ensure security of electricity supply and reduce our exposure to global energy markets, where long-term supply is declining and prices are increasing.
"Renewable energy is an important part of the shift to a low-carbon economy, which will help mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and flooding."
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
