Wind farm idea back on agenda

Submitters who originally opposed plans for a small wind farm on one of Clutha's highest points will soon be approached by the project's new owners, who are keen to reactivate the development.

The future of the Mt Stuart development was in doubt for several months earlier this year after its original developers, NZ Windfarms Ltd, pulled back on taking it to the next level before selling the project to the Central Otago company Pioneer Generation..

The resource consent application for the nine-turbine wind farm attracted 15 submissions with all but one opposing the application.

But Pioneer Generation chief executive Peter Dowling said this week the generation company planned to start talking to submitters from next week "just to make contact".

The company had been tied up with hearings surrounding its power plant plans for the Nevis River between Cromwell and Queenstown but now wanted to turn its attention towards the Mt Stuart proposal.

"We're keen to get on with some consultation before we reactive the consent," Mr Dowling said.

The site is on the southwestern side of the Manuka Gorge, about 15km inland from Milton.

The nine turbines would have a maximum height of 75m and generate between 5.5MW and 6.5MW.