Turbine

An important document has just been issued by East Lothian Council on proposed wind turbine planning restrictions – “East Lothian Supplementary Landscape Capacity Study for Smaller Wind Turbines”. It is a consultation public process running from 26/09/2011 to 24/10/2011 – full copies are available at reception at John Muir House, or for download at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/renewableenergy .  You can provide feeback directly to ELC but we would encourage members to  feedback views to Colin Bloomfield or Fiona Amos, as CNS has been asked to comment, being one of many interested organisations that may be affected by these proposals. Click here to view the relevant maps of interest to CNS with this update.

In summary, there are:

a)   ‘exclusion zones’ for development for sensitive areas such as Pressmennan and Traprain

b)   4-5 different development types depending on turbine size, measured to the turbine rotor tip (so not the mast height)

c)    Allowed development areas near Stenton which are limited to 2 heights (see maps 1, 2 & 3)

d)   The first ‘allowed’ height is up to 20m if visually associated with farms, dwellings or buildings – , so this covers small turbines up to 15-20kW a bit like the one at East Linton which is between 15 and 20m.

e)   The second consideration is for turbines up to 42 m high (so maybe up to about 250kW) where there are limited planning opportunities subject to detailed design and impact studies to support the application (this would be the type of turbine category we would wish to install).

View Map1, Map 2 and Map 3 here.

To put all this in context, CNS’s first application (now withdrawn) was for an Enercon E-33 which measured 67m to the turbine tip, and so would not be able to meet any of these proposed new conditions on height or location meet any of these proposed new conditions on height or location.

As stated in previous newsletters your Board is in early stage discussions regarding acceptable alternative sites to our first application.

We would ask members to feedback views to Colin Bloomfield or Fiona Amos by 16/10/2011 or directly as an individual to ELC.

Reduce your fuel bills – get a free, comprehensive and totally impartial energy audit, and receive personalised advice and recommendations to reduce your energy consumption. We can identify and negotiate low cost options for the installation of renewable energy solutions and can advise on grants and loans for these, as well as other measures such as draught proofing, insulation and secondary glazing.

Reduce your food bills – by growing more of your own food, shopping locally and wasting less, the average family could save £420 a year. We can offer advice and support to achieve this.

Reduce your transport costs – we can explore ways in which you could reduce the number of trips you make by car, thereby reducing fuel bills and CO2 emissions, whilst at the same time achieving a healthier lifestyle.

The more people we have signed up, the more we can achieve together, but funding is only available for a limited number of households so sign up now to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.

Would you be interested in a car share scheme in Stenton? We can obtain a car to remain overnight in the village for commuters travelling by train from Dunbar. Additionally, there might be an opportunity for an electric car in Stenton – so we are keen to determine what demand there is.  If you’re interested please contact us.

East Lothian Map

Following our recent AGM we have extended our membership area from a radius of 1 mile around Stenton ‘Tron’ to an approximate 3 km radius.   Anyone living in extended area are invited to become CNS members.

We have joined WWF’s Earth Hour! WWF say…..Your organisation is an important part of WWF’s global event in our 50th anniversary year. WWF’s Earth Hour 2011 is on Saturday 26 March, 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Every person and every switch off will help to send a powerful message to the government that we want urgent action to tackle climate change and safeguard the natural world. Here’s a reminder of how you can help us to reach as many people as possible: Send an email to all your friends, family, colleagues and local business partners to invite them to register with this link earthhour.wwf.org.uk/register. Put a link on your website to earth hour

Hit ’like’ on our Facebook page

Add our Earth Hour light switch widget to your website or blog

Look out for more news and ways you can get involved at wwf.org.uk/earthhour.

 One Hour. One World. Our Future.

FILM: by popular demand – Re showing Al Gore’s AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

Friday 25^th February – 7pm at The Stenton Bowling Club (the bar will be open)

‘Totally Shockingly Fascinating.  Everyone should see this film right now’ EVERYONE WELCOME