The developers of a proposed wind farm east of Roade near Northampton would like to hear from residents living in the area, as further surveying and environmental monitoring begins at the site in South Northamptonshire.

Renewable energy specialist Wind Prospect Developments Limited (WPDL) was awarded permission for a temporary wind monitoring mast last year to assess conditions in the area for the proposed M1 Wind Farm.

Local parish councils have been contacted to inform them of WPDL’s intention to submit a formal planning application for the wind farm this autumn, following additional environmental surveying over the coming months.

In the meantime, WPDL is keen to learn the views of local residents and Alastair Smith, Development and Planning Manager, says “Anyone with an interest in our proposal is very welcome to add their comments to our website and we would be delighted to answer any queries that people may have regarding the proposal or renewable energy in general.”

Blisworth based environmental PR agency, Buttonwood Marketing has been recruited to help publicise the M1 Wind Farm proposal. Their Graham Meller, a Shutlanger resident, says “We do not normally work on local issues; however, we could not resist this fantastic opportunity to help create a local source of renewable energy.

“We are extremely concerned about this country’s ability to fight climate change and meet its renewable energy targets, so we see this application as a great opportunity for us to make a positive contribution. Some people like the look of wind farms; others don’t, but we hope that both camps will see that harnessing wind power is a great deal more preferable to burning fossil fuels and burdening our children with the impacts of climate change.”

A public exhibition was arranged by WPDL in Roade last December with more than 100 people battling the icy conditions to learn more about the proposal. A survey taken on the day showed that of the 67 people who filled in feedback forms, the majority were in favour of the project or undecided.

The UK has signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive which includes a UK target of 15 percent of energy from renewables by 2020. This target is equivalent to a seven-fold increase in UK renewable energy consumption from 2008 levels and wind farms represent the most cost-effective means by which to meet this target and improve the UK’s energy security.

The closest communities to the proposed M1 Wind Farm in South Northamptonshire would be Roade, Ashton, Hartwell, Courteenhall and Quinton.

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For further information, please contact:

Alastair Smith
Development and Planning Manager
Wind Prospect
7 Berkeley Square, Clifton
Bristol. BS8 1HG
Tel: +44 (0)117 925 7798

Note to editors:

  • Wind Prospect Developments Limited (WPDL) is a joint venture between EDF, the UK’s largest producer of electricity, and the Wind Prospect Group.
  • Founded in 1997, Wind Prospect is one of the most successful independent renewable energy developers in the world.
  • The Wind Prospect Group undertakes all aspects of wind energy development, including design, construction, operation and commercial services, such as contracts and due diligence.
  • Operating from 24 offices in eight countries, the group is making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change.

Posted by Buttonwood Marketing – Technical Scientific Environmental Sustainability PR and Marketing Communications Experts