Network Rail scraps plan for two wind turbines at March Whitemoor railway depot

Network Rail have withdrawn plans for two wind turbines at Whitemoor railway depot in March.

In January, they submitted an application to install two 80kw wind turbines, measuring 47.5m at their peak. These would have generated renewable electricity to be exported to the local distribution grid to offset Network Rail’s electricity use.

The generators would have been operated for 21 years then de-commissioned and removed.

The application highlighted “the overriding benefits of this proposal in providing a renewable energy source and the long term environmental benefits this brings”.

However, Fenland District Council and the applicant disagreed over a suitable condition for the noise impact of the wind turbines.

And the turbines were opposed by some residents, prompting MP Steve Barclay to contact the council.

In a letter to Kathryn Brand, of development services, written on behalf of a constituent, he said: “My constituent tells me that he has submitted documents to your office stating his opposition and feels that this proposal is wrong given the fact that the area is residential.

“He is also concerned that these turbines are less than 300 yards away from his property and has suggested that there may be bats on the site.”