Turbines planned for the roof of the Town Hall

A WIND farm in the heart of King’s Cross is set to power Camden Council’s main headquarters, it emerged last night (Wednesday).
Officials confirmed plans to use wind turbines to provide power for the council’s flagship Judd Street building and extension in Argyle Street are being taken seriously.
Electricity generated by the wind farm could feed into the council’s general supply powering computers, lights and other electrical items.
A council spokesman said: “Camden Council is looking at the feasibility of generating renewable electricity by putting wind turbines on the Town Hall roof. As part of that process, a planning application has been submitted to see if it is possible to locate turbines there.”
Environment experts are still working out how much electricity they can generate using five rooftop turbines, each standing six and half metres high.
The project’s future will depend on whether the Town Hall’s own planning department will grant permission – but environment campaigners are already celebrating the plans.
Sian Berry, campaigns officer for the Camden Green Party, said: “It is a brilliant idea. Too often electricity comes from an unsustainable source but this is a way of generating power that is free and better for the environment.”
A private file of consultation letters received by the Town Hall, however, are thought to have provoked a mixed response.
Ms Berry added: “Apparently the comments received by the planners were about 50/50 positive to negative, so it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment. It’s all very close and nerve-wracking and we’re waiting to hear what’s happening at the moment.”
It is thought some protesters have raised fears that birds could be killed by the turbines, while others are objecting on the grounds that the Judd Street architecture could be adversely affected.
Ms Berry said: “It is not as if Euston Road is not full of tall buildings already. I think it would be something good to see on the skyline – especially when people are coming out of the new Eurostar station.”
Town Hall papers reveal that if the scheme is given the green light and proves to be a success, then a similar project will be mapped out for the satellite council base in York Way, Camden Town. A project report sent to planners claims the large quantities of carbon could be saved in a “symbolic, inspirational and practical demonstration”.
A Town Hall press official said: “A decision is expected shortly. The initiative is part of the council’s commitment to adopting and promoting sustainable energy policies within the borough and through council’s work, in order to try to make a difference to local and global environmental problems.”