M48

We have now submitted a planning application for two turbines between the M4 and M48 in South Gloucestershire.

The proposed wind farm is located to the south of Ingst and would generate, on average, between 12.3 million and 13.8 million kWh (units) of renewable electricity per year, sufficient to meet the needs of 2,800 to 3,100 homes*.

REG Windpower has granted Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC) an exclusive option to the buy the wind farm, if planning permission is granted. There will be an opportunity to invest in the co-op via a share offer with those living locally given preference.

Whenever we develop a new project we always look to ensure the community benefits from hosting wind turbines. Not only do we always aim to engage local contractors and expertise on our projects, but we also commit to establishing a Community Fund.

We would like to work closely with local residents and groups in South Gloucestershire to ensure that the funds are made available to meet local projects, and we warmly welcome any suggestions you would like to make for the fund.

We are offering to pay between £14,400 and £20,800 per year – worth more than £500,000 over the wind farm’s expected lifetime – into the fund. Should Bristol Energy Cooperative take up their option to buy the wind farm, they would honour this commitment too.

We believe it’s important that local people make the decisions on which projects and initiatives are supported by the fund. If we build the wind farm we would look to recruit a panel of residents to determine how the money is spent.

We are still very interested to hear what local people think about the proposed wind farm. You can give your views, ask a question or suggest a project or initiative that the Community Fund could support through this website.

*Based on local wind speed, installation of 1.8MW or 2.6MW wind turbines and DECC-published figures for domestic electricity consumption in 2010