East Riding wind farm contributes first cash donation to community fund

A new fund to help support community activities has been launched at Lissett Wind Farm. Novera Energy, the company which operates the wind farm, has announced the launch of the Lissett Community Wind Farm fund in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

A sum of £53,260.27 has been paid into the fund by Novera Energy, with the money open to applications from community groups and organisations operating in the East Wolds and coastal areas.

The company has made a commitment to pay annually into the fund - with the amount being based on the operating capacity of the wind farm.

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "The fund is an excellent example of the way in which commercial investors work in partnership with the local authority and will provide a major boost to community organisations in the area."

Applications will be considered by a panel made up of representatives from Novera Energy, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the seven parish councils closest to the Wind farm.

The closing date for the first round of applications will be Monday 22nd March 2010.

East Riding Council is under pressure to justify its refusal to grant planning consent to over half a dozen wind farms in the last three years.