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May 2006: Chelveston Renewable Energy Ltd (CRE) held a public exhibition in the Chelveston Village Hall. The proposals included 17 (later reduced to 14) 125m high 3MW wind turbines and a Bio-mass energy recovery plant. CRE requested the planning authorities advise them of what matters should be dealt with in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Council contributed to the scoping response prepared by ENC.
Jun 2006: the Council carried out a Parish opinion survey (75% response)
Sep 2006: CRE applied to ENC for change of use of the former transmitter buildings for electricity generation plant with a new build electricity switchroom to connect to the 33KV power lines. This application was refused by ENC in June 2007 and was initially appealed in Dec 2007, but withdrawn in Jun 2008.
The original 12 month temporary planning consent for the anemometer mast expired on 31st Mar 2007, but in Feb 2007, CRE applied for an extension for a further 12 months, as they had been unable to obtain wind data due to equipment failure during Dec/Jan. In Jul 2007 this application was granted by ENC, but reduced to 10 months. The anemometer has now been removed.
Oct—Dec 2007: both Northants and Beds County Councils held Minerals & Waste planning consultations (MWDF) to identify future sites for the next 15-20 years. CRE put forward its site to both counties for waste processing.
Jan 2008: CRE applied to NCC for a Bio-mass (AD) plant processing 48,000 tonnes of feedstock (agricultural sludge, food waste and municipal waste) annually. This application was approved in principle by NCC (subject to a ruling by the Govt office of the East Midlands (GOEM)) in Sep 2008. In Nov 2008 GOEM advised the Secretary of State had decided a full EIA was required. In Dec 2008, CRE and NCC successfully appealed to GOEM and the November decision was reversed. The application was granted in Dec 2008.
Apr 2008: CRE applied to ENC for change of use of redundant MOD buildings for electricity generation and switching room; construction and use of ancillary plant and equipment. This was similar to the Sep 2006 application, but with the switching room relocated. This application was refused by ENC in Jun 2008 and was appealed in Nov 2008. The appeal was successful in Jun 2009.
Jul 2009: CRE conducted a baseline noise survey at various locations around the former airfield site, as required by the planning conditions. The Parish Council assisted with providing residential locations within the parish.
Sep 2009: two overhead powerline applications were submitted to DCLG for upgrading the existing 11KV power line to 33KV between Irthlingborough sub-station and the CRE site. In view of the fact that the completed works would not look very different to what has existed for many years, the Council has not objected to these applications.
Mar 2010: CRE submitted an application for 9 125m 2.5MW turbines, 5 to be decided by ENC and 4 by Beds BC. ENC refused the 5 turbine application in Feb 2011 and Beds BC refused the 4 turbine application in Mar 2011. These were appealed in Sep 2011and the Public Inquiry will take place in Mar 2012.
Jul 2011: Kier Street Services applied for a Goods Vehicle Operators License for the CRE site to base their vehicles (following the award of the new ENC waste contract starting in Aug 2011) and this was granted in Sep 2011. CRE has submitted details of the mitigations and improvement works, as required under the AD plant consent.
Updated: 01/11/11.
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Chelveston Renewable Energy Ltd Proposals for the former Airfield |
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