March 27, 2008
England
England
Three controversial applications to build wind farms in north Northumberland were sensationally thrown out by planners today.
Berwick Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the scheme for 20 turbines near Berwick after a heated six hour meeting.
The committee said the plans would have dominated the landscape.
Officers had recommended the Moorsyde and Barmoor developments – seven and six turbines respectively – be approved.
Members went against those recommendations with only chairman Coun Brian Douglas voting in favour.
Officers had said Toft Hill should be refused on the grounds of its impact on Duddo standing stones.
Coun Dougie Watkin, who proposed refusal, said: “The applications sit between two protected areas. I cannot in all honesty understand that those structures are not going to dominate the landscape.”
Objectors had urged the committee to refuse the schemes and were delighted with the results afterwards but they said they expected appeals to be lodged.
Peter Warlock, chairman of Save Our Unspoilt Landscape, said: “We are very pleased that the council had the strength and courage to go against their officers’ recommendation.”
By Jaclyn Curry
27 March 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/27/wind-farm-plans-blown-away/