The Application

Questions sent to npower by Geoff Baker and John Sellers on 1 May, with replies from Joanna Thompson of npower received on 10 June.

• What is the diameter of the tower?
The proposed turbine for the Oxheys Farm site is a 1.3MW type of turbine. At this stage it is not possible to say which model will be used, as the final choice of turbine will be subject to a competitive tendering process. For assessment purposes a Bonus 1.3MW machine is used. The diameter of a Bonus 1.3MW 60m tower is approximately 4m at its widest point.

• What is the blade length?
The blade length of a Bonus 1.3MW turbine is 31 metres.

• What is the height of the tower, including the nacelle?
A Bonus 1.3MW turbine has a tower height of 59.025m. The hub height (where the blades join the nacelle) is 60m. The overall tip height is therefore 91m.

• What is the speed of rotation?
The blades will rotate at around 15-30 revolutions per minute depending on the wind speed and specific model of turbine.

• At what voltage would the alternators generate?
A Bonus 1.3MW turbine generator has a voltage of 690V.

• At what voltage would be the connection to the grid/local area network?
It is not possible to provide this information at this time. The off site cable link is likely to be to a substation at Tarporley, approximately 3km to the west of the site.

• At what power factor would the alternators operate?
It is not possible to provide this information at this time.

• Would the connecting transmission lines be buried?
The exact routing of this cable link will be decided by the Local Electricity Distributor (Manweb). Options available to the distributor would be either to bury the cable or pole mount the link on 8m high timber posts.

• Are the turbines a standard design?
Please see reply to first question.

• What is the predicted polar noise profile for these turbines?
If the site proceeds to a planning application, the report which accompanies the planning application will include detail on the predicted noise levels of the turbines at nearby properties.

• Has an interactive noise profile - between machines – been modelled?
Please see previous reply.• Where will the equipment be manufactured?
As the construction contract has not yet been tendered, it is not possible to determine this at the present time. Turbines and their components are manufactured both across the UK and in Scandinavia.

• As the approaches are all single track lanes, which route would the construction vehicles take?
The proposed route to the site is via the A49 and Eaton. The exact route would be agreed with the Highways Authority.

• Would it be necessary to widen any roads, remove hedges or fell trees for construction activities?
This will be considered as part of any planning application that is submitted.

• Would remedial measures for such activities be undertaken?
Remedial measures for such activities would be undertaken.