November 17, 2007
England
England
Magical, mystical and iconic views could be affected if a proposed wind farm in Northumberland is allowed to go ahead, a public inquiry heard yesterday.
On day four of the public inquiry into an application to build 18 wind turbines at South Charlton near Alnwick, anti-wind-farm campaigners again clashed with experts speaking on behalf of nPower.
Alnwick district councillor and farmer Robert Thorp questioned nPower witness, landscape consultant Jeffrey Stevenson, on the visual impact that turbines at Middlemoor would have from some of the North-East’s most popular and picturesque spots.
Mr Stevenson said: “These turbines will introduce an element of dynamism into the environment. There is some evidence from other turbine sites that they become popular and may even become tourist attractions themselves.”
Mr Thorp responded: “Will the people who come to Northumberland for the peaceful scenery really appreciate 18 moving things on the horizon?”
Speaking about the view from Dunstanburgh Castle, he said: “The view from there is 360 degrees. The view to the Cheviots is magical, mystical and iconic and there will be a clear view of the turbines from there.”
Mr Stevenson said that only 8% of the view from the moor would be affected.
By Paul James
17 November 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/17/iconic-and-mystical-views-would-be-affected-claim/