Windfarm objection is withdrawn

A council has withdrawn its objections to a proposed 10-turbine windfarm in a remote area of Northumberland.

Plans to build the farm in Wandylaw, near Ellingham, were originally rejected by Berwick Council over fears it would destroy the countryside.

But councillors have now decided they will no longer oppose the plan after the government approved a similar project at Middlemoor, near Alnwick.

The proposal for Wandylaw must still be considered during a public inquiry.

The energy firm RidgeWind Ltd wants to erect the 125m (410ft) turbine farm, which would generate enough electricity to power up to 16,700 homes.

‘Difficult decision’

Berwick planning committee had initially refused the proposals, citing potential visual impact as well as possible interference with military radars.

A spokesman for Berwick Council said: “Members made their decision to no longer oppose the plans in view of central government’s growing commitment to sustainable energy.

“It is also in view of the secretary of state’s recent decision to allow a wind farm to go ahead at Middlemoor, close to the Wandylaw site.

“This was a very difficult decision for members to make.

“When we made our original decision to refuse the Wandylaw application last October, we thought that we had a very strong case. However, this has now changed.”

BBC News ^[1]

5 September 2008

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[1] BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7600162.stm

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