November 29, 2013
England

Residents’ fears on windfarm sway council

Northumberland Gazette | 29 November 2013 | www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk

Members of Belford Parish Council last week voted to object to plans for a nine-turbine windfarm to the west of the village.

Energiekontor UK has submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council for its Belford Burn scheme.

And last Thursday, members emphasised that their decision as a council had to reflect the feelings of residents, which they felt had been made quite clear at a public meeting earlier that week.

Coun Geoff O’Connell proposed delaying the decision until all of the information was available, as the county’s planners are waiting on several aspects of the application.

Coun O’Connell also raised the issue of the community benefit fund, which, if both the windfarm developments at Belford went ahead, could total in the region of £7-10million over 25 years.

But other members felt that the decision should be made and later voted to object to the proposals, although Coun O’Connell and Coun Busher Keys abstained.

Coun Chris Rosby said: “I can’t believe they are even thinking about putting turbines there.

“People come back time and time again for the unspoiled view and they are asking us to spoil it so a few people can make a lot of money.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/29/residents-fears-on-windfarm-sway-council/