Case study detail
Community Support for Wind Power
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Sustainable Development Commission
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Swaffham is a market town of Norfolk, featuring two of the most popular wind turbines in the UK. Together the two turbines generate enough electricity to supply 75% of Swaffham’s total domestic electricity requirements. The local community has responded with enthusiasm to increasing the number of wind turbines in the area.
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Overview
Swaffham is one of Norfolk's most attractive market towns, featuring two of the most popular wind turbines in the UK. Over 60,000 local people and visitors have climbed the 300-step spiral staircase inside the Swaffham 1 turbine to reach the unique 65m high viewing platform designed by Foster & Partners, situated below the hub. There is similar enthusiasm for Swaffham 2 in Sporle Road, Swaffham. Together the two turbines generate enough electricity to supply 75% of Swaffham’s total domestic electricity requirements, boosting Norfolk’s total wind power by 30%.
There was overwhelming local support when the installation of Swaffham 1 was mooted back in 1999 by Ecotricity. The District Council received seven letters of official response – three for, three against and one saying it might be acceptable if the colour was right. One person who wasn’t in favour was Greg Britton, then Area Planning Officer of Breckland District Council, who was converted to wind energy once he became aware of the amount of pollution generated by fossil fuels in the production of electricity.
The local community was generally enthusiastic. When Ecotricity mailed 100,000 households in Breckland asking residents to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to more wind turbines as part of the public consultation on plans for Swaffham 2, around 89% of the 9,000 respondents voted ‘Yes’. Only 6.5% said ‘No’ and some 3.6% were either undecided or left their vote blank. Greg Britton recalls that 26 letters were sent to the planning department over Swaffham 2 – 23 of which were support letters, including three from district councillors. Construction started in the April and Swaffham 2 was completed on 18th July 2003. At the time of building it was the UK’s tallest onshore wind turbine.
Now Principal Planning Officer, Greg Britton is looking forward to eight more turbines going up near North Pickenham, a small village four miles South East of Swaffham.
“ The biggest objector to the erection of wind turbines in Norfolk was me. I had never seen one other than in a photograph but I knew that they were wrong for Norfolk. In meetings with Ecotricity I was the one saying ‘No’. However once the application had been submitted and I became aware of the amount of pollution generated by fossil fuels in the production of electricity I became convinced that turbines were an option. I watched the erection of Swaffham 1 and upon its completion I saw a graceful structure which contrary to my earlier views did not detract from the historic character of the town or the surrounding area. Subject to the assessments usual to this type of application, I now support the use of wind energy in Breckland for the production of electricity.. "
Greg Britton, Principal Planning Officer of Breckland District Council and former Area Planning Officer
“I moved back to Swaffham after being away for 10 years and was delighted to see the generator in the skyline.. much better than cooling towers or chimneys.”
Paul Dowden, Swaffham on BBC Norfolk Talk
“I love the wind farms we have in Norfolk, they add to the scenery. I love driving past the Eco-centre at Swaffham. I have to slow down and gawp… I would be very happy to live next to one no problem.”
Ron Luton-Brown, Norwich on BBC Norfolk Talk
Lessons and thoughts:
· It is interesting to note that Swaffham 2 received a higher level of support than Swaffham 1 – this indicates that communities can grow to like wind turbines once they have local experience of them.
· Good local engagement can increase levels of public support for wind power, leading to further successful developments in nearby areas.
Key facts:
Swaffham 1
· Ecotricity developed and built the first multi-megawatt 1.5 MW capacity wind turbine at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham in 1999.
· The first of a new generation of direct drive, variable speed wind turbines has a hub height of 67m, 31m blades, and a rotor diameter of 66m.The turbine rotates at between 10 -22rpm (depending on wind speed).
· The turbine is around 360m from local housing but there have been no noise issues or complaints; a light sensor is installed for shadow flicker.
Swaffham 2
· Construction of the second 1.8 MW turbine was completed on 18th July 2003 at Sporle Road, Swaffham, Norfolk. The hub height is 85m, length of blades 32m, and rotor diameter 70m.
· For furth
Key features
energy
local government
Key data
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Links
Access the main SDC page on wind power in the UK
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