Turbine 'too close to airport' (From The Oxford Times)

Turbine 'too close to airport'

6:50am Thursday 12th November 2009

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THE company behind plans to build a wind turbine in Cutteslowe Park has moved to allay fears that the structure could pose a safety threat at London Oxford Airport.

Residents opposing the idea of a turbine being built in North Oxford fear the wind turbine is too close to housing and could have an adverse effect on local wildlife.

But some local people say the prospect of a turbine with a combined blade tower height of about 130m would be too close to the airport near Kidlington.

The manager of London Oxford Airport, Mike Sparrow, said the wind turbine would be well within the 15km safety area surrounding the airport, meaning that the airport would have to be consulted.

He said the airport was planning to introduce an advanced radar and there would be concern that a large turbine could interfere with it.

The turbine project would be undertaken by Partnerships for Renewables.

Its manager, Tony Duffin, said: “There is no blanket ban stopping wind turbines being constructed within 15km of an airport.

“With regard to aviation interests we have employed BAE Systems to assess the suitability of sites and fully consult all interested parties such as the Civil Aviation Authority, MOD, air traffic services and local airports.”

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