Oasis of energy
Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date published: 17 June 2010
WIND turbine plan . . . the giant structures would take up land on the fringe of the all-weather football pitch
Academy turbine plans set in motion
ONE of Oldham’s new academies plans to have two 50ft wind turbines to help with its energy costs.
The giant turbines would be situated on the edge of the planned all-weather synthetic pitch at the Oasis academy on the former Brook Mill site, off Hollins Road.
They will enable the academy — to replace Kaskenmoor and South Chadderton schools when it opens in July, 2012 — to get a quarter of its energy from renewable technologies.
These include solar thermal hot water and ground source heat pumps. Local residents have now been given until August 17 to comment on the plans.
Some are angry at the close proximity of the turbines to local homes.
Ian Catherall (60), of Durban Street, believes the turbines are too close to the houses and will be noisy.
He said: “The turbines are really close to housing and to the actual academy building. I’ve read that renewable energy government recommendations say turbines are meant to be 100 metres (328ft) from the nearest housing.
“But they are only 70 metres (230ft) from houses in Hollins Road, and within 50 metres (164ft) from the main academy building. This will cause a noise pollution problem. I’m all for renewable energy but not if it affects the neighbourhood.”
Mr Catherall, a former accountant, has submitted his objections to the turbines to Oldham Council on grounds of noise pollution.
He has also objected to the reserved matters planning application on traffic and parking issues due to the number of students set to use the school.
He said: “There is very little room to overtake in Hollins Road and with about 1,500 kids being dropped off and picked up in cars twice a day, there are going to be some hellish traffic problems.
“The more I look at the plans, the more acts of omission there are.
“This is not an adequate location for the school.”
Residents have to submit any comments to Oldham Council planning department by the August 17 deadline.
Oasis did not wish to comment on its plans.
