Controversial Tilbury wind turbines plan recommended for approval

8:02am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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FOUR giant wind turbines on the Thames at Tilbury are being recommended for approval despite the objections of Thurrock councillors.

At a meeting in January the borough council's planning committee were vehement in their criticism of plans for the four turbines which Port of Tilbury management say will provide a quarter of its annual electricity consumption.

They were condemned as unsightly, noisy and a danger to wildlife and there were fears about contamination of the riverside during their construction.

However, when members of Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation's planning committee meet on Monday, May 12, they are being recommended to approve the development.

This is despite other objections from organisations including English Heritage and concerns from conservancy bodies including the Wildlife Trust.

The port's managing director Perry Glading beleives the turbines are a necessity. He said: "While ports and our waterways already boast a very small carbon footprint, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.

"The Port of Tilbury's commitment to sustainability and tackling climate change is illustrated by our applications to site renewable energy technologies such as wind farms within the port."

He linked the plans to the 2012 Olympic Games, adding: "The potential offered by the port in regard to the developments required for the 2012 Olympics is huge.

"Our location means we have a massive part to play and it is essential that we can demonstrate the use of the greenest and most sustainable technologies through that involvement.

"Our aspiration to assist in creating the greenest games of modern times."

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