Family's wind turbine plans blown off course

January 25, 2007

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Coun Jane Brophy

A COUNCILLOR who put a wind turbine on her house has had her green plans blown off course.

Lib Dem Jane Brophy won permission for the mast after submitting plans to Trafford council.

But the planning department now says it has been put in the wrong position and has asked her to move it or take it down. She has been told officers could use enforcement powers to remove it if she fails to take action herself.

Simon Castle, Trafford's chief planning officer, said: "The wind turbine has been placed in the wrong position.

"A letter has been issued explaining that the turbine could either be positioned in the approved spot, or they could submit a new application.

"If the turbine stays in the unauthorised position, the council would need to consider whether to use its enforcement powers."

Mother-of-three Mrs Brophy estimates that, on a windy day, the turbine can produce enough energy to meet more than 10 per cent of her family's needs.

Solar panels

Her house in Timperley also has solar panels and Mrs Brophy and husband John have come up with other ways to make their house more environmentally friendly.

The M.E.N. reported on Monday how they had saved energy by adding extra insulation, turning down their heating and by not using their tumble dryer.

Two people have since contacted us about the turbine. One described it as an `eyesore' and the other said: "It's in the wrong place."

Mrs Brophy says she is now considering her options on whether to move the mast or submit a new application.

She said the mast could not go in its original position because a bracket did not fit. But drawing up plans and submitting a new application will cost hundreds of pounds.

She added: "Trafford council seems to be putting obstructions in the way of people who want to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change."

She urged the council to show more commitment to renewable energy by waiving planning fees for domestic turbines, a policy which she said had already been adopted by some Lib Dem-controlled councils.

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David C, City Centre (25/01/2007 at 13:41)

Unfortunately domestic turbines are a gimmick. The typical payback period for the thing exceeds the life expectancy of the device. There are many, many, more effective ways to conserve energy which cost far less money and dont ruin the look of your property.

johnny, North east england (26/01/2007 at 09:43)

I dont see what all the fuss is about with this renewable energy stuff. Surely we can just burn arab oil for the next thoousand years, and when that runs out, they can burn us..

M Walbank, Lymington (26/01/2007 at 10:19)

The key problems with Solar thermal or photovoltic collectors and Wind turbines is that the power collected depends on the time of day, the time of year and the weather- not on when it is needed, and there is no economical way of storing it to meet domestic demands. This meas that the usable output is far lower than users are led to expect. The daily thermal or electric outputs are eight times lower in the winter than the summer months. The winds at typical urban roof levels are much less than those shown for greater heights in the wind maps so, although the turbine may be rotating, the output will be less than 10% of the rated output for much of the year.

Secondly, when working out payback salesmen fail to unclude the cost of the money invested, the depreciation and any maintenance costs of the system. At present a Â£ 1,500 turbine has an annual money cost - 5% risk free of Â£ 75 and with a 10-year claimed life, a writing down cost of Â£ 150 minimum annual total cst f Â£ 225. This could be used to buy or save mains energy.
As the usable output of small domestic systems is far less than this the savings are negative and unless fuel prices increase by 300 to 500% they will never save money.

By all means use local power generation but accept that they are not an economic investment - only a visible and often obtrusive, demonstration of concern for power economy.

Bob Battersby, Manchester (04/02/2007 at 00:05)

Jane's doing the right thing here. The council and all these cynics have nothing up their sleeve bar negativity. Most people squander any spare cash on liabilities such as cars. None of us have the guts either to speculate on a new cash cow such as a wind turbine, or invest in renewable energy (stocks or investment notes). Perhaps that awful Susan Williams woman be persuaded to erect a statue to the Eternal Cynic. When fuel prices go through the roof, perhaps one needs to tap "whinge energy". Lots of talk, no action, and lots of negativity from commentators. Keep the Great River of Poo flowing!

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