May 8, 2013
England

Exhibition shows huge turbine plans for Belford

by Brian Daniel, The Journal | May 8 2013 | www.journallive.co.uk

A proposal for massive wind turbines close to a Northumberland village is the subject of an exhibition this week.

Developer Energiekontor UK is behind a scheme for nine turbines, 100m (328ft) high, near Belford.

A public exhibition is taking place in the village this week.

The action group which was set up to fight the plans, and those for another 16 potential turbines close to Belford, last night urged villagers to turn out in force to display their opposition to the project.

A full planning application has yet to be submitted in relation to the scheme, at Belford Burn.

Plans were, however, submitted for a 60m (197ft) monitoring mast at the site, which were subsequently refused by Northumberland County Council and are now subject of an appeal.

The Middleton Burn Action Group was formed by residents opposed to the scheme and Air Farmers’ plans for 16 125m (410ft) turbines at the site which the group is named after.

Again, no planning application has been submitted for that project.

The Energiekontor turbine proposals will be on display for viewing and comment on May 9, 10, 13 and 14 at the village’s Bell View Centre.

The action group has been distributing leaflets in a bid to ensure a strong turnout.

Last night, Kerry Noble, vice chairman of the Middleton Burn Action Group, said: “We are just encouraging people to turn up because a low turnout is very much in their interest.”

Mr Noble is encouraging people to come to the only session at which developer staff will be present, from 5pm to 8.30pm on Thursday.

And he is angry about its failure to attend the other days: “We do not think that is engaging with the community which is what they are meant to be doing, they are just ticking the box.”

Energiekontor project manager Michael Briggs said: “This will be the first opportunity, before a planning application is submitted, for residents to see what the Belford Burn wind farm will look like from a number of viewpoints in the local and wider area.

“Energiekontor staff will be present on the evening of Thursday, May 9 to answer any questions. Residents will also be able to find out about the range of studies our consultants have been carrying out on the site.”

Full details can be seen on the company’s Belford Burn website www.belfordburnwindfarm.co.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/08/exhibition-shows-huge-turbine-plans-for-belford/