Preston council is looking at building 3 wind turbines close to where the Lancaster Canal – River Ribble join. These will be very large, similar to the one near Garstang at Dewlay Cheese, and will benefit from government grants and guarantees to take power into the grid.
It was recently reported that in the cold winter just passing wind energy was some 20% down due to lack of wind. Even so there is a need for the UK to become more independant of imported fuel as well as setting an example on carbon emissions. The area chosen isn’t one of great natural beauty and a feature such as this will add novelty. Although the visual impact of large wind turbines isn’t to be ignored as the one at Garstang can be seen from 10 miles away and has dramatic impact when first seen close up.
The river location is also close to the existing electricity pylons although there is a concern about whether the location is too close to airfields in the area and will effect their navigation aids or aircraft, not forgetting the safety of seagulls. Overall this sounds a good scheme and a more ambitious plan for 9 turbines might be better.