Wind farm approval sparks vow to fight

Environmentalists and residents have vowed to stop a 25-turbine wind farm from going ahead and are considering an appeal to the Environment Court.

Wellington City Council granted Windflow Technology consent yesterday to build the 30-metre-high turbines at Long Gully Station, south of Karori and to the west of Brooklyn.

However, opponents of the project said the council failed to adequately consider adverse impacts of turbine noise and vibrations on recreational users at Long Gully.

Chris Horne, of Kelburn, who has carried out ecological maintenance work at Makara Foreshore Reserve, said: "I'd look at being part of a group to take this to the Environment Court. The decision represents further industrialisation of Wellington's southwest peninsula. I could help out on a joint appeal on ecological grounds."

Rosemary Jones, of South Karori, lives 1.4 kilometres from the proposed project and is worried about noise from the turbines.

"I could consider a possible Environment Court appeal on noise issues," Dr Jones, a dentist, said.

Opponents now have 19 working days to lodge appeals with the Environment Court. The wind farm, a joint venture between Mighty River Power and Windflow Technology, will be capable of providing electricity for up to 6000 homes.

The resource consent includes stringent noise control standards, which will be paid for by the consent holder and monitored by the council up to a year after the project has been completed.

After 25 years, a new resource consent will have to be obtained and, if this is not granted, the wind farm would have to be dismantled.

Windflow Technology project manager Emma Patrick said: "We appreciate the local community's involvement in the process so far and we will continue to engage with them as we plan the next steps."