Wind farm plans are turned down
A controversial windfarm on the border of Stockton and Hambleton has hit another hurdle.
Yesterday, Hambleton District Council refused an application for two 125m wind turbines near the villages of Hilton and Seamer.
The decision comes two months after neighbouring planning authority Stockton approved three turbines for the same scheme.
Jeff Corrigan, managing director of Broadview Energy Ltd, behind the £15m development, said he would consider the grounds for refusal before deciding whether to appeal.
But he said it was possible the Stockton side of the windfarm development could still go ahead.
Campaigners set out their opposition at a packed meeting of Hambleton Council’s development management committee. The plans had sparked concerns over visual impact, potential consequences on the roads and effects to wildlife.
Rita Sinclair, from the Seamer and Hilton Windfarm Action Group (SHWAG), said: “This is the wrong development in the wrong place.”
Derek Winterbottom, of Seamer Parish Council, said the development would be “devastating” for the North Yorkshire landscape.
“This proposal is far too close to many people and their homes.”
But planning officers told the meeting only eight out of 93 homes in Seamer would experience adverse views, two out of 63 in Newby and four out of 170 in Hilton.
Broadview Energy had submitted a revised application for the development after both Stockton and Hambleton councils refused its original plans last year. The energy company said the development would produce green, renewable energy for about 6,500 households.
Last month The Secretary of State declined a request by Stockton South MP Dari Taylor to call in the Stockton application. Ms Taylor said she was “furious” saying the decision in “Westminster was relevant to Westminster – they don’t have windfarms in Westminster”. The MP said she would continue to fight the plans.
By Mike Blackburn
18 September 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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