Details of Rushy Mead Wind Turbine Project Environmental Studies and Public Exhibitions Announced

Published: 14/10/2008

Partnerships for Renewables has now published a report which provides details of the environmental studies they intend to carry out to establish if the Rushy Mead site is an appropriate location for wind turbines. Together with the University of Reading, Partnerships for Renewables has also announced dates for public exhibitions as part of an ongoing public consultation process to discuss the potential wind turbines. The events will be held in Shinfield, Arborfield and Lower Earley in November.

Talking about the scoping report, Tony Duffin, Development Director for the project, said:
“The report provides details of the comprehensive environmental and technical studies we plan to undertake. The studies will provide an in-depth analysis of the local environment and give us the best information to ensure that any wind turbines are sited appropriately. We have submitted the document to Wokingham Borough Council for their views and they will formally request feedback from organisations including environmental bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority. We’d also like any local interest groups or interested individuals to feed into this process. If people have particular issues they would like us to include in the study work we would welcome their input. We will ensure the work is carried out professionally and the aim of this stage in the process is to set the foundations for all future assessment work.

“If the results of the work show that the location is appropriate for wind turbines we will progress with the project. The detailed results will then be made available for everyone to view in the Environmental Impact Assessment that would form part of a planning application.”

Commenting on the public exhibitions, Tony Duffin went on to say: “These three events are the public’s first real opportunity to discuss details of the project with us. We want to ensure that the local community is kept fully informed and are able to contribute to how we move forward throughout the development process. If people are unable to attend one of the three exhibitions and want to discuss our work we would be happy to make alternative arrangements to ensure that they are not left without answers to their questions. Information will also be available on our website.”

The Public Exhibitions will consist of information boards detailing the work carried out so far and the work which will be carried out in the future. There will also be a range of third party information covering various wind energy topics.

Time and Dates of Public Exhibitions

Shinfield Parish Hall – Wednesday 12th November - 14:00 – 20:00
Arborfield Village Hall – Thursday 13th November – 14:30 – 19:30
Earley Community Resource Centre Friday 14th November – 14:00 – 20:00

Further information can be found at www.rushy-mead.co.uk and members of the public can contact the project team via email: rushymead@pfr.co.uk

Bodies that will receive a copy and give feedback on the scoping report include:

Shinfield Parish Council, Arborfield and Newlands Parish Council, Earley Town Council, Natural England, English Heritage, RSPB, Environment Agency, Ministry of Defence, National Air Traffic Services, Civil Aviation Authority, Telecommunications Companies and Broadcasting Companies.

Contacts:

Tom Brinicombe, Partnerships for Renewables, 0207 170 6800, tom.brinicombe@pfr.co.uk

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