HOW WAS WADLOW FARM CHOSEN FOR A POTENTIAL WIND FARM SITE?

There are many limitations when identifying suitable sites for wind farms - they are not as easy to site as many people think.

RES has undertaken site selection studies of different regions of the UK for potential wind farm sites. The outcome of these searches is a number of sites being identified in each region. Site identification and grading has involved a comprehensive review and map-based site sift of England that has recognised environmental, technical and economic constraints. Constraints to development could for example include: close proximity to houses, low wind speeds and statutorily protected areas.

This process has led to the selection of a number of potential sites in each region of England and further investigation was undertaken on the most promising ones. This has included site visits, contacting landowners, further desk-top research and, where appropriate, preliminary consultation with the planning authority.

As a result of these activities, many sites were rejected because of technical unsuitability or because of lack of landowner interest. Wadlow Farm passed through these stages and remained as a potentially suitable site.

RES has followed up these initial assessments with detailed investigations over the past four years to fully determine the viability of a wind farm at Wadlow Farm.

Detailed technical information about the project can be found here. This is the Non-Technical Summary of the detailed Environmental Statement which was submitted with the application for planning permission. The location of the Wadlow Farm Wind Farm is shown below.