April 17, 2007
U.K.

'Ruining the clean lines of the hills'

Plans to build a wind farm with 18 turbines have drawn an angry reaction from residents in the Tyne Valley.

The 60-metre turbines, each with a blade diameter of 80 metres, could be built on a site covering 315 hectares at Green Rigg Fell, Birtley, Northumberland.

Five parish councils have all objected to the plans, as have a number of people living close to the proposed site.

William Charlton, 71, who owns a farm at West Woodburn, close to the planned site, said: “What makes this part of Redesdale particularly attractive is the clean line of the hillside, which at present is free from human intrusions.

“If the proposal goes ahead it will break this skyline.

“The proposal is one of several which will between them completely alter the character of Northumberland. It will completely dwarf the rest of the valley.”

Peter Anderson, 22, of Barts Cottage, Kirkwhelpington, said: “This will change the face of the countryside which is enjoyed by so many visitors not only for my generation but for the next and possibly the one after that.

“I support the ethics of having a wind farm and wish to engage with a pollution-free future but not at the expense of destroying the countryside.”

The application is one of a number to be submitted by various energy companies looking to build wind farms in the North Tynedale area, with all applications at different stages of the planning process.

Some residents say all the applications should be considered together at a public inquiry.

Nick Hodkinson, of Great Bavington, said: “The only sensible course of action is for all these current and impending applications to be considered in there entirety to establish the cumulative effect.”

The application, submitted by Wind Prospect Developments, will go before Tynedale Council tomorrow.

A report for the council recommends that the application is refused.

By The Journal

icnewcastle

17 April 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/17/ruining-the-clean-lines-of-the-hills/