Welcome to Kirkby Mallory

The initial assessment of the project was made during 2008 and the Scoping Report submitted to the H&BBC in January 2009. Further necessary surveys were then commenced and a wind monitoring mast erected in July 2009 to record wind velocities for a 24 month period. Subsequently, tests have been initiated to gather background noise levels, and sites chosen for visual assessments. It is expected that all surveys and studies will be completed, and the reports finalised in the autumn of this year. SLP intend to hold a Public Exhibition, either at Desford or Newbold Verdon, and then to apply for Planning Permission, before the end of the year.

Other matters that were raised at the meeting included:

• Number of Turbines. Councillors questioned the economic viability of installing only two turbines, on the basis of published information with respect to other sites. SLP confirmed that only two turbines were proposed and that presently they had no plans to increase the number. The H&BBC Planning Department stated that they could not restrict any granted Planning Permission to prevent SLP from making further applications later, for more turbine installations on the same site, if they chose to.
• Noise. Councillors were concerned by reports from other wind farm sites, of unacceptable, night-time, repetitive noise, which caused sleeplessness. It was noted that legislation exists with respect to general noise levels, (which is not quite the same thing), and SLP confirmed that they would comply with such legislation.
• Footpaths. The proximity of footpaths to the position of the turbines was raised. Councillors pointed out that these were well used paths. It was acknowledged that they might need to be diverted.
• TV Reception. SLP stated that they would pay for any re-engineering if it could be proved that TVs were affected by their wind turbines. There was no discussion of the type or extent of proof that might be required.
• Site Access. SLP will be required to submit proposals to LCC in respect of the route and transport of the turbine components and construction vehicles to the site. The LCC engineer present at the meeting confirmed that extensive modifications to the highways on the route are likely to have to be made to facilitate the transport of the equipment to the site, (components are up to 48m long and some weigh around 40 tons). SLP will be responsible for the cost of all highway modifications, and making good any damage to roads, verges, signs, etc. This will be monitored by LCC.
• Consultants. Councillors expressed concern that consultants appointed by SLP (for acoustics, transport, ecology, etc.) may not be completely independent. They urged H&BBC to appoint their own consultants if they did not have adequate expertise in house. H&BBC replied that this was going to be their first experience of a wind farm Planning Application, and that they would consult other more experienced Councils in the area, for assistance.

If you have any questions or comments about these, or other related matters, the Parish Council would be pleased to hear from you. « Less

Recently there has been some administrative reorganisation at Bosworth and beat officers have now been assigned to specific villages. PC Phil Hale has a particular responsibility for our three villages. If you would like further information about joining and being part of our Neighbourhood Watch scheme, please contact Mrs Montgomery on 07846 626316 or by email using Judith.montgomery@cooptel.net. To report incidents, you can ring her, or to save time in emergencies, the Police Incident Centre on 0116 2222222, which will, where necessary, immediately direct local police officers to the scene. « Less