Wind turbine plan for Hartlepool allotments - green energy installation would help power tools and burglar alarms

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to install the turbine at Haswell Avenue allotments to help provide power to the site.

According to the plans, submitted by Mr Stephen Wilkinson, the wind turbine would be located on plot 25 at the site, which is currently designated as a communal plot managed by the Haswell Avenue Allotments Association.

During the summer months it is visited by primary school children to grow vegetables in six timber raised beds and a greenhouse.

The plot also contains two steel containers, one of which houses tools and equipment with solar panels on its roof, and the other is the children’s cabin, also used as a meeting room for the allotment association.

A planning statement from Haswell Avenue Allotment Association states although there are solar panels at the site, more power is needed, which would be provided by a wind turbine on top of a five metre column.

It said: “There is existing solar power on site powered by 3 120w solar panels mounted on the larger steel container and stored in batteries in the steel container.

“The power is used to supply burglar alarms, hand tools and tea making facilities.

“The power available is insufficient during the winter months due to lower light levels and the batteries go flat for several months.

“It is proposed to mount the wind turbine on top of the column to supplement the solar power.

“The nearest houses in Haswell Avenue are 73m away and there would be no increase in noise levels due to the wind turbine.”

Plans state the noise emitted from the proposed wind turbine is generally 56 decibels, with normal conversation being 45-60 decibels.

To date three objections have been received by the council over the plans, along with two comments of support.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher, one of the councillors representing the area, has also responded to the application calling for it to go before the planning committee, stating a five metre column is ‘not in keeping with the local area’.

Objections to the wind turbine raise concerns it could be an ‘eyesore’ for local residents.

One St Joans Grove resident said: “It will be an eyesore and there is a concern the additional noise will affect our quality of life.”

However those in favour argue the area should be supporting green initiatives.

One Jackson Street resident said: ” I am in support of this plot. I am very supportive to green and renewable energies. All allotments should have or invest in renewable energy.”

To comment on the application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0072.

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