Objectors vow to fight wind turbine plans
Credit: By Paul Cook The Northern Echo, www.thenorthernecho.co.uk 4 November 2010 ~~
Protestors are determined to fight plans to erect ten wind turbines on their doorsteps.
Banks Developments’ application to build what would be the first wind farm in the Darlington area has been recommended for approval.
The County Durham company has applied to erect ten turbines, a wind-speed mast and control buildings on land at Moor House Farm, between Barmpton and Great Stainton, to the north-east of Darlington.
The turbines will be 110m high and are expected to generate enough power for between 11,000 and 14,000 houses and be in operation for 25 years.
As well as opposition groups and parish councils, letters of support have been sent into Darlington Borough Council.
Peter Wood, from campaign organisation Seven Parishes Action Group, said there were a number of issues of concern, including noise and visual impact on locals, the proximity to homes.
He also pointed to an independent report which has advised that farms in the area should be capped at between four and six turbines.
He said: “All these are problems that these people are going to have to put up with.
“As a consequence, these people will find their houses are going to be difficult to sell.
It’s a terrible thing for the whole area.”
Sadberge Parish Council chairwoman Millie Scaife said: “Our objections remain and the presentation from our parish clerk will be putting forward the case on behalf of the council.
“It will refer to concerns to the noise from wind sheer.
“There are also objections to the visual impact.”
Borough council ward representative Brian Jones said: “This is obviously a huge decision and it’s very important for the people living in the villages.
“If this goes ahead it will have a devastating effect on the people who live quite close.”
In addition, more than 200 letters of support have been sent following two consultation exercises. Reasons for support include the provision of green, renewable energy, help to climate change and promotion of local jobs.
Phil Dyke, managing director of Banks Renewables, part of the Banks Group, says: “We believe our Moor House proposal offers a carefully designed and well thought-out scheme that will provide a wide range of environmental and community benefits to the surrounding area, and we hope that Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee will recognise its many merits.”
The council’s planning department has recommended the application be approved.
The public meeting takes place at 3pm on Wednesday, in the town hall.
