In September 2011 RWE npower renewables submitted a planning application for Orchard Way wind farm, between Haversham and Little Linford, 6km north of Milton Keynes, in September 2011.

If approved, Orchard Way wind farm would comprise up to five wind turbines with a maximum installed capacity of 15 mega watts (MW), and would generate an equivalent amount of electricity as is consumed by up to 6,400¹ homes.

The local community would stand to gain significantly from the development with the establishment of a community fund of a minimum £1,000 per megawatt (MW) per year for the operational life of the wind farm. Local people would be able to take part in the decision making process on how the money would be spent.

We have sent newsletters to over 3,500 homes and businesses within 3 kilometres of the proposed site to update the local community of our planning application submission. Click here (PDF | 2 MB) to see a copy of the newsletter.

We have consulted with a wide range of people and organisations about the potential site. We consulted organisations such as the Environment Agency, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Natural England and the Ministry of Defence in order to ensure we have specialist knowledge on the site and independent consultants carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the wind farm proposal and the results of these studies support the planning application.

Members of the public were invited to view details of the proposed wind farm at an information event held on 6th and 7th May. Over 220 local residents attended and RWE npower renewables staff were available to answer any queries members of the public had.

It is now down to Milton Keynes Council Planning Authority, in consultation with all interested parties to make a decision which takes into account the need for alternative electricity to help tackle climate change.

To comment on the proposed wind farm or to view all documents given as part of the planning application, please visit Milton Keynes' online public access for planning at:

www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/development-control/

The planning reference is 11/02028/FULEIS. You can also comment on the proposed wind farm by writing to:

Development Management
Milton Keynes Council
Civic Offices
1 Saxon Gate East
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 3ZL

You can also email the planning department:
planning.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk

[1] The predicted annual generation at the site has been calculated using a capacity factor derived from performance data for wind arms already operating in the East of England. Should site wind and turbine characteristics result in a similar capacity factor to these operational sites we can expect Orchard Way Wind Farm to generate an amount of electricity equivalent to supplying the approximate domestic needs of up to 6,400 average UK households each year. Energy predicted to be generated by the proposal has been calculated using an assumed capacity factor of 24% (DTI Energy Trends UK regional capacity factors 1998-2004), and is based on an installed capacity of 15MW. The energy capture predicted and hence derived homes equivalent or emissions savings figures may change as site specific information is 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.