Banks Renewables has received approval from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council for the extension of the Hazlehead Wind Farm's permitted lifespan. Initially granted a 25-year duration, the three-turbine scheme in South Yorkshire will now operate for a total of 40 years following a successful planning application by Banks Renewables.
The decision comes after the company conducted regular maintenance and assessed the wind farm's operational efficiency. The extension approval does not involve any alterations to the wind farm's current operation, with no new turbines planned, and existing planning conditions remaining unchanged.
Operational since 2011, the Hazlehead Wind Farm has been a consistent contributor, generating over £8000 annually for the Hazlehead Wind Farm Benefits Fund. This fund supports local community and environmental initiatives proposed by voluntary groups and charities. With the planning application's approval, the benefits fund will now be extended for an additional 15 years.
Past recipients of local grants from the fund include Dunford Parish Community Association, St Anne's Church in Carlecotes, and Penistone Community Radio.
Jamilah Hassan, Community Relations Manager at the Banks Group, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the wind farm's positive contributions to clean energy generation over the past decade. The extension aligns with Banks Group's commitment to maximizing environmental, energy security, and social benefits from onshore wind farms, contributing to the UK's Net Zero targets.
Hassan added, “Extending its lifespan means that even more capital will be available over a longer period to support projects across the surrounding area, benefiting numerous local communities.”
