Wind farm in county by 2009 (From Dorset Echo)

Wind farm in county by 2009

5:55pm Thursday 6th December 2007 in News By Miriam Phillips

A WIND farm could be a reality in Dorset by 2009, according to the landowner of the proposed Alaska Wind Farm near Wool.

The turbine company Infinergy held a public consultation where they explained to residents and councillors how the proposed turbines would work and the impact they would have on the environment.

Managing director Esbjorn Wilmar said: "The proposed wind farm in Dorset will contain six wind turbines and these are the smaller modern kind so they will be very quiet compared to the older ones.

"Overall we think it will be a very good location in Dorset."

The wind turbines will be placed around the existing Masters Pit Quarry and each one will be 125m high at the tip of the blade.

If constructed they will provide enough energy to supply up to 10,000 homes.

Some residents have objected to the scheme because of the noise and environmental impact on the Purbeck hills.

Mr Wilmar suggested there may be opposing views at this early stage because many people have misconceptions and are not informed about the reality of wind turbines.

He added: "It's fair to say it is a battle to get our wind farms up and running and this is a shame as we need schemes like this to happen so we can fight climate change."

Landowner Will Bond, who owns the quarry and is now a stakeholder in the Alaska Wind Farm, admitted he was sceptical of the idea when he was approached four years ago.

He said: "Like everybody to begin with I was not in favour but after doing my homework I found that a lot of the things said about wind farms is vastly exaggerated.

"I have been to see all the residents neighbouring the land and after answering their questions they think the idea is great."

Mr Bond said the turbines should be up and running by 2009 if all goes well.

Infinergy says in its plans the turbines will generate 35 decibels of noise, which at night is the same as a quiet bedroom.

During the day, the background noise of roads and the quarry will be higher than turbine noise.

The company also tried to dispel residents' fears that house prices would drop in the area by revealing a report by Oxford Brookes University that suggests there is no impact on prices after turbines are erected.

The consultation period continues as the company seeks views from the public and various groups.

To make a comment and for more information visit the website at www.alaskawindfarm.co.uk