Historic Public Engagement

Introduction
Getting involved in the communities in which we operate is key to our success, as it allows us to develop positive relationships and understand local sensitivities. We intend our communications to be bilingual, two-way, timely, open and honest.

To that end, we traditionally employ a range of communications methods, such as newsletters, website, public exhibitions, direct liaison and community liaison groups to inform local communities of our activities and proposals.

As a result of changes in the Planning Act 2008 we must now submitted our application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, rather than making a Section 36 application to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

In line with IPC guidance, RWE npower renewables will be responsible for arranging and recording a formal consultation process with the public in relation to the proposals, in addition to the public exhibitions that have already taken place. Our approach to consultation is set out in our Statement of Community Consultation (December 2010). This is likely to take place in early 2011 and is the key stage at which members of the public should formally register their comments about the project. More specific information will be advertised in advance of the start of consultation.

Our proposals are not finalised, and we will be asking for feedback on the layout of the turbines, the location of access tracks and associated buildings, the surveys undertaken and the mitigation proposed.

Public Exhibitions

In October 2009, RWE npower renewables hosted public exhibitions over 5 days at local venues surrounding the development area, at Clawddnewydd; Ruthin, Denbigh and Cerrigydrudion.

These exhibitions provided local communities with an opportunity to find out more about the proposed Clocaenog Forest wind farm project, discuss the project with RWE npower renewables staff and feedback their comments.

A wide range of information, including leaflets and electronic materials were available to the public, politicians and interest groups, to view, and well over 200 local people attended the events.

You can view all of the information panels and the photomontages displayed at the exhibitions, as well as a summary information leaflet, using the links on this page. You can also view the Wind Power News exhibitions edition.

You can also view the Wind Power News exhibitions edition.

Community Liaison Group

RWE npower renewables has established the Clocaenog Forest Community Liaison Group (CLG) to enable local representatives to meet and discuss the progress of, and ask questions about the Clocaenog Forest proposal.

The group is strictly non-partisan, has its own independently-elected Chair and Vice Chair, and more than 150 representatives of local groups, organisations and bodies interested in the forest are regularly invited to take part in its meetings.

This is the first time a group like this has been established on one of our projects from such an early stage of the project, and we are pleased with the valuable contribution that it is making to our development approach.

The group meets broadly every quarter and at strategic points in the development process.

It has addressed issues from public consultation and the Environmental Impact Assessment, to the role of forestry and the exclusivity of the membership.
If you would like to know more about the Clocaenog Forest CLG, please visit the website at:

http://www.clocaenogclg.org.uk

If you are interested in joining the CLG, please contact:
Martin Cole, project manager
T: 01639 816180
Email to: clocaenog@npower-renewables.com