E.ON, one of the UK's leading renewable generators, will soon begin the second stage consultation process for its proposed Isles wind farm near Newton Aycliffe and is urging the local community to input into its plans.

The energy company has taken on board feedback that it received on the design of the wind farm from the first round of its consultation last year. This centred around three potential layouts and it will now be engaging with the local community on a single proposed design.

Originally the development was designed to feature up to 45 turbines and this has now been reduced by almost half to 24 turbines. This could still generate up to 63.5MW, enough electricity to power the domestic needs of around 35,0001 homes - more than the population of Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield combined.

Paul Hunt, Project Manager at E.ON, said: "The layout which we're proposing takes into consideration comments we've had on the visual, noise and environmental impact of the scheme and is an adaptation of one of the layouts we put forward last year.

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"We're investing heavily in the region and believe this is a good site for a wind farm. Stage two consultation provides another opportunity for the local community to have their say and we'll be working hard over the coming months to reach out to residents to gather their feedback on the scheme.

"We're currently in the pre-application stage for this wind farm and want to work with local people to put together the best possible design which will go forward for government approval next year."

The Government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation in the UK and development of onshore wind farms plays a very important part in providing a low carbon energy mix for the future. The Isles wind farm, if consented, would be a vital step towards achieving those targets and helping to keep the lights on.

If the wind farm receives planning consent, E.ON will set up a community benefit fund worth up to £190,000 per year, which will be used to support local projects throughout the lifetime of the wind farm and these projects will be selected by local people.

The formal stage two consultation period for the Isles wind farm runs from 5 July to 9 September 2012. E.ON welcomes feedback on its proposal and has set up dedicated channels to encourage the local community to comment on the scheme. It will also be hosting a second series of public consultation events in the coming months.

(CD/GK)