Summary

Bradwell

In January 2010 RWE npower renewables received consent from the Planning Inspectorate to build a ten turbine wind farm development near Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex. Construction of the wind farm is due to start early 2012 and will be completed by 2013. A text message service to advise locals of key construction activities has been set up. To register your mobile to receive updates, text "Bradwell Wind Farm" with your name and address to 88882 or email bradwell@npower-renewables.com (It is free to receive updates.)

The planning application for Bradwell wind farm was initially refused by Maldon District Council in July 2006. Following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by RWE npower renewables the decision went to public inquiry. The first public inquiry was held over a three week period in June 2007 and the wind farm was granted planning permission, by the Planning Inspector, in September of that year.

However, following a legal challenge, planning permission was quashed in June 2008 because of drafting errors in two of the planning conditions. This technicality meant that the application for the wind farm had to go back to the Planning Inspectorate to be re-determined. All of the evidence was presented to a new Inspector who considered the scheme afresh.

The second public inquiry took place over three weeks in November 2009 and was held before a Government Planning Inspector at Cold Norton in Essex. In January 2010 RWE npower renewables was again given consent by the Planning Inspectorate to build the wind farm.

Once operational, Bradwell Wind Farm will comprise ten turbines, each standing up to 121 metres high (including blades) and will have a total generating capacity 20.5 megawatts (MW). It will produce enough green electricity to meet the average annual demands of up to 12,000 homes FN1.

_{FN1 - The average annual generation expected at the site would be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of around 12,000 average UK households.}

_{Energy predicted to be generated by the proposal is derived using wind speeds monitored in the local area and correlating to a Met. Office station providing longer term data. This enables a calculation to be made to estimate the average annual energy production for the site based on 10 turbines each of rated capacity of 2.05 MW. The energy capture predicted and hence derived homes equivalent or emissions savings figures may change as further data are gathered.}

_{Equivalent homes supplied is based on an annual electricity consumption per home of 4700 kWh. This figure is supported by recent domestic electricity consumption data available from The Digest of UK Energy Statistics and household estimates and projections from the UK Statistics Authority.}