April 14, 2013
England

Appeal over valley met mast rejection

Northumberland Gazette | 14 April 2013 | www.northumberlandgazette.co.ukNorthumberland Gazette | 14 April 2013 | www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk

Developers behind a proposed met mast in the Coquet Valley have appealed the decision to reject the plans made by county councillors last year.

At the December meeting of the county council’s planning and environment committee, members threw out the Empirica Investments Ltd scheme for a 50-metre mast on land south-east of Charity Hall at Sharperton, less than two miles away from the National Park.

Coun John Taylor moved refusal, which was carried by six votes to three with four abstentions.

There were 18 objections to the 50-metre mast, 1.4 miles east of Sharperton, 1.7 miles north-east of Holystone and almost three miles north-west of Thropton. The nearest homes are about ⅔mile away.

Objectors considered it out of place on an unspoilt tourist route and feared the turbines to which the mast could lead could have a ‘devastating effect’ on the area.

There was a late objection from the National Park, citing visual impact in an open landscape/uninterrupted skyline.

At the meeting, John Lines, of Sharperton, urged members to protect the beautiful area from such schemes.

Comments on the appeal must be made to the Planning Inspectorate by Friday, May 3.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/14/appeal-over-valley-met-mast-rejection/