Kaimai Wind Farm Limited applies for consents at Tirohia

A new wind farm may be built in Tirohia. Photo / 123RF

Kaimai Wind Farm Limited has lodged resource consent applications with Hauraki District Council and Waikato Regional Council for a proposed wind farm at the northern end of the Kaimai Ranges at Tirohia, near Paeroa.

The applications, which will be processed jointly by the two Councils, cover 1304ha bordering Rotokohu Road, Paeroa and SH26 Tirohia.

The resource consent applications to the Hauraki District Council are for the proposed construction of 24 large-scale wind turbines. Seven of the proposed turbines would be 180m high to blade tip standing upright, and 17 of them would be 207m high.

Other proposed structures include a substation, two lattice transmission towers, two overhead power lines, and 18.9km of on-site roading. Two on-site quarries to supply material for the roads are also proposed.

The resource consent applications to the Waikato Regional Council are to authorise specific aspects of land use — removal of vegetation, earthworks, to permit the discharge of surplus soil and surface water associated with the construction phase of the project and culvert upgrades.

The company has requested that the resource consent applications are publicly notified, which means there will be an opportunity for community feedback via written submissions.

Council staff are currently checking the documents to ensure they include all necessary information. Once this is complete, further information may be requested from the applicant and the documents will be made available on the Council websites.

Hard copies will also be available in the offices and libraries of HDC in Waihi and Paeroa once the application is notified. Those considered directly affected will be notified of the applications by post.

Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga says it's still very early days and the council needs to ensure the information received from the company is complete and technically robust before notifying the community and asking for feedback.

"We understand there is a high level of interest in this project and we'll make sure people have every opportunity to give us feedback on this proposal when the time comes. Details of how and when you can do this will be advertised in the newspapers, on our Facebook page, and also posted on our website" he said.

"We'll also provide regular updates on the applications' progress and details in relation to the hearing as they come to hand."

It is likely independent commissioners will be appointed to decide whether the application is approved.