Over the last 10 plus years there has been a plan to build a wind turbine at Bishop Pursglove Primary School. The main aim has always been to use the turbine as an educational tool with interpretive displays, equipment and software and also to generate enough income to maintain the turbine at no cost to the school. It is with deep regret that we (the turbine group and the school governors involved) have decided that we cannot now complete the project. We would like to thank all those both in the village and from elsewhere who have supported the venture either financially or by their efforts.
Feasibility studies, acoustic surveys and bat surveys have all been required as well as much time and effort which has been expended in securing planning permission and grants from various sources. However, for some considerable time, the project has been in abeyance as a sub-lease was required for the area of ground on which the turbine would have stood. The unique nature of the project and the complex land ownership has meant that several solicitors have been involved. Unfortunately a final agreement on the sub-lease was not possible due to a lack of funds to pay further solicitor costs. In addition the sharp decline in the feed in tariffs, announced by the government earlier in February meant that the profit margins were reduced to a level which concerned the potential landlord.
All things considered therefore, we have decided that we have to face the inevitable conclusion that we cannot complete this innovative and educational project despite the large financial (£9,500) and time investment to date.
BPS Wind Turbine Group