Councillors to debate wind farm plans
Controversial plans for four 132m-high wind turbines on farmland will be debated by members of a council’s planning committee this week.
Developer Novera Energy wants to install the triple-bladed turbines, as well as associated works and vehicle access, close to the village of Bullamoor, near Northallerton.
Despite objections from local residents and parish councils – and concerns from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that the scheme could interfere with radar surveillance for RAF Leeming – planning chiefs are recommending it for approval.
Hambleton District Council’s planning officers want to see councillors give the scheme the green light, albeit with a total of 34 conditions attached.
Chief among these conditions is that no work is carried out until the council is satisfied, following consultation with the MoD, that impact on the air base is minimal.
Warning lights to low-flying aircraft will also have to be installed at the top of each turbine.
According to a report to members of the planning committee, a total of 99 objections have been received, with 129 expressions of support.
Many of the objections centre around the perceived visual impact of the project, as well as potential health and safety issues.
Objectors say the development would be a “blot on the landscape”, with the “unspoilt rural area taking on the appearance of an industrial development”.
Osmotherley area parish council, in whose area the planned development falls, is against the project.
In the report to planners, the parish council states: “This development would be detrimental to the immediate and wider area on grounds of size, visual impact, noise, traffic and highways disturbance.
“The power output of the proposal does not justify the intrusion cause to the community at large.
“Already there is a major power line running through the open landscape.
“The additional prospect of this scheme is excessive to this locality.”
Northallerton town council also wishes to see the application refused.
Dan Grierson, project director for the developer, said: “Novera Energy is pleased that councillors will be considering the Bullamoor application on Thursday.
“Given the closeness of the committee meeting, it inappropriate to comment at this time.
“The company is happy to leave the decision and planning conditions with the local councillors.”
The committee meets at 1.30pm, on Thursday, in the council chamber, at Hambleton civic centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton.
By Andy Walker
Darlington & Stockton Times
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
10 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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