Banks Developments Windy Bank Test Wind Mast Application Approved

Monday 18 January 2010

County Durham firm Banks Developments has won planning permission from Durham County Council to erect a test wind mast on the site of a proposed wind farm development in Teesdale.

Banks is currently preparing a plan for the proposed Windy Bank development on agricultural land between the village of Woodland and the southern edge of Hamsterley Forest.

Detailed proposals for what will be known as the Windy Bank scheme are still in development, but it is expected that it would encompass between five and nine turbines with a tip height of approximately 110m, and would produce enough renewable energy to power up to 11,500 homes.

The proposed site has been chosen due to the previously recorded strength of the wind in the area, and is in an area that was identified as being suitable for wind development in the North East England Renewable Energy Strategy document.

Rob Williams, RenewablesProjects Director at Banks Developments, says: “We are obviously pleased that we have received permission to erect this wind monitoring mast, which will enable us to gather the data required to accurately assess the best type of turbine to propose for installation at the Windy Bank site.

“We hope to erect the 60m mast soon in order to commence collecting the wind data over at least a 12 month period. We will continue to work as closely as possible with local communities to highlight any progress that is made with our plans and to address any queries or concerns that are raised.

“Energy produced from renewable sources has a central part to play in meeting the UK’s future energy requirements, and we are certain that, if the proposed Windy Bank scheme goes ahead, it could bring a range of financial, environmental and community benefits to the surrounding area.”

A full public consultation exercise around the proposals is currently being undertaken by Tow Law-based Banks, the findings of which will influence the final proposal put forward for the Windy Bank scheme.

Banks was behind the construction of the north east’s largest onshore wind farm at Tow Law, and has extensive experience of designing wind farm developments across the north of England.

For further information about the Windy Bank scheme, please contact community engagement coordinator Emily Hooson on 01740 658500 or e-mail emily.hooson@banksdevelopments.com

Last updated: Friday 22 January 2010, 13:30 PM