August 3, 2012
Scotland

Wind turbines planned near Flodden Field stir emotions

The Berwickshire News | www.berwickshirenews.co.uk 2 August 2012

Plans to build two wind turbines close to the historic battlefield at Flodden are being recommended for approval despite 40 objections from local residents.

Berwick-based Maden Design and Build have been asked to construct two 50kw turbines, each mounted on 24.6m tall masts and 34.2m to blade tip, at East Moneylaws Farm, less than a mile from the famous 1513 battle site.

However, concerns have been raised about the impact on the landscape and visual amenity, the effect on tourism, on the National Park, on the nearby heritage assets and in particular the Flodden battlefield site.

Alan Cater of Wark, argues: “One of the most important historical sites in the Borders will be spoilt by the presence on the local horizon of the proposed turbines.

“Flodden Field, just a mile from the suggested turbine site, will have a clear view of these eyesores.

“2013 will be the 500th anniversary of this battle, and the whole area has been established as an ‘open air museum’, covering several square kilometres. The turbine installation will adversely affect this important site.”

But Sue Birnie, senior planning officer, stated: “The turbines would occupy a small portion of the lower slopes of the Moneylaws Hill. It is considered that the proposed turbine would not have a significant impact in terms of landscape and visual impact.

“The impacts on the battlefield site at Flodden are not considered to be substantial, and the limited impacts on the setting of the battlefield site are outweighed by the wider public benefit of providing a locally produced renewable energy.”

The application goes before Northumberland County Council’s planning and environment committee on Tuesday.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/03/wind-turbines-planned-near-flodden-field-stir-emotions/