City wind farm project will help train eco-engineers of future

A MULTI-million-pound wind farm has been earmarked for a site near York in a pioneering scheme which will help train future generations of eco-engineers.

One of the country's leading green energy firms, Banks Renewables, has unveiled proposals for its latest project in North Yorkshire.

Up to five 475ft turbines, each costing 2.5m, could be constructed on land owned by Askham Bryan College to generate enough electricity each year to power about 8,300 homes.

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The Hagg Wood scheme would see a partnership evolved with the college to train students who are planning to embark on careers in the burgeoning wind farm industry.

The development director at Banks Renewables, Phil Dyke, admitted that previous wind farm schemes had proved contentious, although he stressed the Hagg Wood project near York was still in its initial stages.

The company lost a legal battle to build six turbines near Darrington in West Yorkshire after the plans were thrown out at a public inquiry last year following a wave of protest from residents living nearby.

However, Banks Renewables has secured planning consent for a six-turbine wind farm at Ulley, near Rotherham, and work is already under way on another scheme to build four turbines at Marr, between Doncaster and Barnsley.

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The firm unveiled plans earlier this month to build up to 14 turbines on agricultural land near the village of Hunmanby in North Yorkshire.

Mr Dyke said: "The schemes for York and Hunmanby are both in their very early stages, but we want to discuss the proposals with the local communities and hear their views.

"People often have concerns about the noise generated by the turbines and the visual impact on the surrounding area, but we want to explain exactly what we are planning for these two sites.

"The York project is especially exciting as the renewable energy industry will grow significantly in the coming years and create tens of thousands of jobs.

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"The partnership with Askham Bryan College would help train students who are looking to find jobs in the sector."

Banks Renewables developed the largest onshore wind farm in the North-East of England, at Tow Law in County Durham, and is due to submit planning applications for a dozen more schemes across Britain by the end of this year.

An initial scoping report for the Hagg Wood project is due to be submitted to York Council within the next fortnight, along with a planning application for a wind monitoring mast.

Planning applications are due to be submitted for both the Copmanthorpe and Hunmanby wind farms towards the end of the year, and they could be operational in 2013 if permission is secured.

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Up to 100 construction jobs are expected to be created if the two North Yorkshire wind farms are built.

The Hagg Wood scheme would be used by Askham Bryan College to train students, especially those hoping to gain qualifications in countryside and sustainable land management, agriculture and environmental technology.

The college's principal, Liz Philip, said: "We are very excited about this project, particularly as we would be the first college in the UK to incorporate a wind farm. We have always been a pioneering organisation, and this builds on that reputation.

"It would literally bring a new dimension to students' learning and generally extend their understanding. Revenue that the college receives from the development would be used to enhance student learning."

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A public consultation on the Hagg Wood proposals is being launched by Banks Renewables, with an initial exhibition planned for March 2.

The exhibition will be held from 3pm until 7pm at Copmanthorpe Youth Club.

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