Redcar MP backs no campaigns for wind farms  

Credit:  by Laura Woodcock, Evening Gazette, www.gazettelive.co.uk 17 February 2012 ~~

A Teesside MP has joined residents in East Cleveland in the fight against plans for the construction of eight wind turbines.

Redcar MP Ian Swales is backing the no campaigns for wind farms at both Beacon Moor between new Marske and Upleatham, and a proposed site between Marske and Saltburn.

A 60m mast has been installed to monitor wind conditions on Beacon Moor at the top of Errington Woods with a view to erecting four 115m turbines.

And now, a second application has been submitted scoping opinion for another site between Marske and Saltburn. This would mean a further four wind turbines would be erected on land between Marske Road and Hob Hill Lane.

Mr Swales said: “I made it clear to the Beacon Moor protesters months ago that I would support their campaign and have already written to Infinis expressing my opposition to this scheme.

“Apparently North Yorkshire, our neighbouring authority, have made a recommendation that there should be a minimum separation distance between residences and wind turbines of 1.25 miles. This echoes the Wind Turbines (minimum distance from residential premises) Bill that is currently in the House of Lords. If passed, these two wind farms would be illegal.”

He added: “I fully support the development of green energy projects but these are not the right sites for giant turbines. We also need to preserve pleasant landscapes to live in and visit.”