March 27, 2012
England

Second wind farm plan halted

By Chris Webber, The Northern Echo, www.thenorthernecho.co.uk 27 March 2012

A second application to build a wind farm has been halted in the region.

Last night, it was confirmed that energy firm Infinis is withdrawing plans to erect four turbines at Beacon Moor, near Guisborough, east Cleveland.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday that the Planning Inspectorate had refused an application by Wind Prospect to build three turbines at Foxton, near Sedgefield, County Durham.

Redcar MP Ian Swales, who supported a community campaign against the Beacon Moor scheme said Infinis had confirmed to him it would not be proceeding.

“This is great news for the residents of Marske, New Marske and Upleatham, who could have been badly affected by the development.

“Redcar and Cleveland Council had approved Infinis’s three-year plan to assess the feasibility of the turbines but had not granted full permission.

No one from Infinis was available for comment.

Mr Swales said: “Although I strongly support wind power and renewable energy, this was simply the wrong location. It is too close to people’s houses and too prominent in a precious green area.”

Meanwhile, Sedgfield MP Phil Wilson, who is fighting plans to create England’s largest windfarm near the A1, east of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said he hoped that the same reasons for the Foxton refusal would apply.

A decision on the application for the Isles windfarm by energy firm E.ON to build between 25 and 45 turbines, will be made by Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

The Foxton scheme was rejected by a planning inspector Paul Jackson on the grounds it would have a significant detrimental effect on the area and would detract from the landscape.

He also felt the environmental and economic benefits of the scheme were outweighed by the negative aspects.

“The same issues are at stake in regards to the Isles scheme as the Foxton proposals,” said Mr Wilson An E.ON spokesman said: “We’ve consulted with residents and we’re looking to do it again.

“After that, we will submit our plans to the Secretary of State.

“It’s then up to the Government to make its assessment of our case. We believe that the Isles location is a good site for a wind farm.”

A Department of Energy and Climate Change said the minister would look at all the available evidence.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/27/second-wind-farm-plan-halted/