Negotiations have collapsed between Norwich Airport and developers of Hempnall windfarm, the Diss Express reports. Both Enertrag UK Ltd and the airport have accused each other of being completely uncooperative. They have not been in contact for four months.
They are in dispute over how the plans for seven wind turbines, measuring up to 125m, on land on Busseys Loke would affect the airport's operations.
Senior Airport Operations director Elliot Summers said the airport's principle concern was the turbines showing up on the radar as they turned to face the wind. He said it would be confusing because aircraft can fly in the area without contacting the airport's air traffic control
He told the newspaper: 'If the windfarm is built, we may have to avoid Hempnall by five miles and that could create more noise in other areas,' but said they could not make a final decision whether to object to the development until they had more information.
He added: 'I have found Enertrag to be the most uncooperative. windfarm developer I have ever met. They have tried and failed to consult with us properly.'
David Linley, manager of projects at Enertrag's Diss office agreed negotiations had not gone well. He told the newspaper: 'The airport has been most unhelpful with the consultations. As far as we are concerned we want to fulfil our commitments as far as the consultation goes.'
He said that there was no safety issue regarding air traffic with the windfarm and said a previous appeal against the airport on a similar issue about a development in Guestwick, near Reepham, had found in Enertrag's favour.
Mr Linley also said he was not concerned if the airport ultimately objected to the plans. He added: 'I have no worries at all regarding Norwich Airport. If we had an objection from the Ministry of Defence I would be more worried, but as far as we are concerned we don't have any worries at all about going ahead.'
The application is expected to be determined by South Norfolk Council in late July or early August. |
