The Stage

Glyndebourne wins battle to build wind turbine

Published Friday 11 July 2008 at 11:45 by Lalayn Baluch

Glyndebourne opera company has won its battle against local opposition to erect a 230ft high wind turbine, which will cut its carbon emissions by 70%, after receiving the go-ahead from communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears.

The wind turbine will cost about £700,000 and will be funded through sponsorship and general income. It is hoped that it will reduce the organisation’s energy bills by £150,000 annually.

Despite receiving planning permission from Lewes District Council last year, against the recommendations of its own planning officers, the proposals have been hotly contested by some members of the East Sussex community, who feared that the turbine would ruin the stretch of countryside where the opera company is based.

Following a public enquiry in Lewes in February, the case was put to Blears, who issued her final decision today.

David Pickard, general director of Glyndebourne, said: “Glyndebourne Productions Limited is delighted that the secretary of state Hazel Blears has granted permission for Glyndebourne to build a wind turbine. This is a significant step for Glyndebourne in its continued drive to take responsibility for the impact it has on the environment.

“The turbine will supply the opera house with clean, renewable energy and will reduce its carbon emissions by 70%. The project has been spearheaded by Gus Christie [executive chairman], but it is an imperative for Glyndebourne as an environmentally responsible organisation. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who have supported this project.”

A meteorological monitoring mast will be erected on site in autumn 2008 and will monitor wind speeds for 12 months. The turbine is due to be in place and powering the opera house by 2010.

Christie added: “The wind turbine is part of an environmental ambition for Glyndebourne and is a response to the global climate threat. We are proud that the turbine will make a significant contribution towards the achievement of renewable energy targets within this region.”