A CORNISH developer of renewable energy projects has revealed its chosen proposal for an energy project at Heane Farm near Hatherleigh.

Mi-Grid has chosen to press ahead with plans for a single medium scale wind turbine on the site. This follows a community consultation which ran from mid January to the end of February.

The developer has been exploring the potential for various energy projects at the site. Located 1.9 kilometres west of Hatherleigh, the site has a south-south-easterly aspect and is on grade 4 agricultural land.

The developer put forward four potential proposals. These were for a solar farm covering 25 acres of the site, a wind farm of three turbines, a single medium scale turbine or a single small scale turbine.

A spokesperson for Mi-Grid said: 'We have received a mixed response from the community to the consultation. The main concern from the respondents was the potential industrialisation of the countryside and the visual and landscape impacts.

'This feedback, together with the completion of a detailed feasibility assessment, has confirmed that the most suitable proposal for the site would be a single medium scale wind turbine.

'This scheme will ensure a high energy yield to make the project worthwhile whilst ensuring limited environmental impacts, such as noise and visual impacts.

'This scheme will also require minimal land take which will ensure there is little loss of agricultural land. A grid connection has been secured for the project and a viable access route identified.'

The single medium turbine would generate 900 kilowatts and stand at 70 to 80 metres tall. The energy produced would meet the needs of approximately 470 homes and offset 850 tonnes of CO2.

Mi-Grid is now planning to hold a public exhibition of its plans for the site. This will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom on Bridge Street from 3pm to 6.30pm.