Published: Sunday, 6th July, 2008 16:00
Anger over HEP scheme
By Ann-Marie Canavan
Comments (0)
Print Article
FURIOUS residents in Eton voiced their anger at proposals to build a hydroelectric scheme at Romney Weir.
During an information evening organised by npower renewables residents raised concerns about the project’s visual impact on neighbouring houses, noise pollution and the lack of benefit to residents in the area.
Riverside home owner Gill Clark said she was upset the electrical supplier had decided to pilot the scheme in a residential area.
During heated discussions at the town council Mrs Clark said: “We don’t understand why you have picked a residential area. There will be no benefits for the residents and this site has be chosen for the wrong reasons. I think it will have an adverse effect on people living nearby.”
If npower are giving the green light by the Royal Borough the scheme could be up and running by 2009 and would see 1.4milllion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, equivalent of the needs of 300 households.
However the majority of electricity that is generated is likely to be used at Windsor Castle.
Another resident added: “This is a pilot scheme and we are being used as guinea pigs. I’m unhappy that it is being set up in this area with no benefit to local residents.You say it can provide power for 300 homes but it is only going to supply one. I think its awful, I’m sorry but I was shocked to see just how in your face the whole thing is.”
Despite objections the npower team say they have complied with all regulations including stringent conditions about noise which were set out by the Royal Borough.
Project Delivery Manager Thomas Chappell said: “We have no interest in getting complaints and if noise levels do exceed the conditions then we will be shut down. Upsetting residents is not something that we want to do. Our interests are the same.”
Hydro developer for npower Jon Assheton added:“Romney Weir is such an ideal location and it is designed to be the first of many and it is important that it is a success.
A final decision is expected to be made about the future of the scheme at a development control committee meeting on July 9.
Youths stone Slough woman