Calls grow for bay pier rebuild with turbine cash from operator Vattenfall
WIND farm operator Vattenfall is under pressure from councillors to donate cash towards rebuilding Herne Bay Pier.
Councillor Vince McMahan told the firm: "If you want to build more turbines, there should be some kind of community payment.
"The money should be ring-fenced for the Herne Bay Pier Trust."
Vattenfall spokesman Mandy Broughton confirmed that when the Kentish Flats wind farm five miles off Herne Bay was first opened, bosses handed over £200,000 which was spent on eco-projects at Reculver and Wildwood Discovery Park at Herne.
The money had initially been earmarked for an education centre in Whitstable Harbour but it was not ready in time. Mr McMahan's suggestion came after a presentation to Bay councillors on Tuesday.
Mrs Broughton said: "Any payments will be the decision of the project director but he is aware of what happened before. It is likely there will be some kind of community payment but nothing has been worked out yet. It is too early."
The Swedish company wants to expand the wind farm, which currently makes enough electricity to power 61,000 homes, by adding 17 new 145-metre-tall turbines.
These are 30m taller than the existing ones and would be added in two extra rows to the left (west) of the current farm.
A new cable for the extra power would have to be laid alongside the current one which comes ashore at Hampton Pier.
All neighbouring councils are being consulted on the plan before it goes out for official public consultation from January 31 to March 4. All those who can see the turbines will be invited to comment, including residents on the isle of Sheppey and across the Thames Estuary at Southend.
An exhibition will be staged at Kings Hall, Herne Bay, on Wednesday February 23, and at Whitstable Castle on Thursday February 24 from 2pm to 8pm.
After the consultation finishes the company will make a formal application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
2 Comments
by Donedivin, Singapore
Tuesday, February 01 2011, 9:06AM
“Not only born, but raised in the Bay, I was also one of the divers that demolished what was left of the pier after the 78/79 storm. To rebuild such a feat of Victorian engineering is absolute folly at astronomical costs.
One day whilst cutting up the scrap steel on the beach, I asked an old local watching us if he'd miss the pier to which he replied.....Why walk out there when I can go to France and back in a day.
if anything build another rock berm, this time from Hampton rocks out a 3/4 mile and then bring it around west until it meets the old pier head. Instant breakwater, outstanding sheltered water sailing and rowing facility. Only this time for petes sake include some tidal sluices to keep the silt flushed out.”
by Ian Blanthorn, Sydney Australia
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 1:00AM
“As somone who lived in Herne Bay for many years I think that this is a fantastic idea.
Herne Bay needs a boost and I can not think of a better way to do it.
Rebuilding the Pier would put "The Bay" back on the map!!”