Park bosses object to plan for wind turbine  

Credit:  Northumberland Gazette, www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk 26 August 2011 ~~

National Park bosses have decided to object to plans for a 77-metre wind turbine in north Northumberland.

Two weeks ago, the Gazette reported how residents near the proposed site at New Bewick Farm, Wooperton, were dismayed by the proposed turbine, which they believed would affect the landscape from all directions.

Last week, the Northumberland National Park Authority development management committee decided to object to the construction of the turbine, which would be sited close to the National Park boundary.

The committee considered that there could potentially be significant impacts on views from the National Park and on its landscape character.

Chairman of the committee Rachel Pearson said: “The authority strongly supports small-scale renewable energy initiatives and has been recognised as a national exemplar.

“In the case of this proposal, the committee objected to the application as it considered that the potential visual impact on the sense of openness and tranquillity of the National Park would be significant.”

The final decision on the application will be made by Northumberland County Council.