December 14, 2013
England

Challenge to wind turbine close to ancient monuments in Northumberland thrown out by judge

By Brian Daniel | The Journal | 14 Dec 2013 | www.thejournal.co.uk

A wind turbine can be erected close to ancient monuments and historical sites in Northumberland after a high court judge dismissed a last ditch bid to halt the scheme.

Plans were approved to install an 18m engine on land just 750m from the site of the Battle of Homildon Hill, which was recounted in Shakespeare’s Henry IV.

However, an objector – who had been concerned about the impact on the landscape and the plethora of historical sites in the area – challenged the legality of the decision in the high court.

Now, the judge has dismissed the challenge, meaning the turbine can go up.

Landowner Robert Tait wanted to site the engine next to his home at Highburn House Caravan Park in Wooler to supply energy to his property, which also boasts a holiday cottage.

The site is only 800m from Northumberland National Park, 1.5km from the iron-age Humbleton Hill fort and 350m from the medieval Green Castle, which are both protected monuments.

Mr Tait was granted permission by Northumberland County Council in January.

Objector John Lancashire, of White Gables, Wooler, challenged the grant of permission as “unlawful,” hiring a barrister for a hearing last month.

Returning to court to give the verdict on Thursday, judge Mr Justice Blake dismissed the challenge,

Mr Tait last night said: “I am obviously pleased that I can go ahead with the project now. It is just a small turbine for a business.”

Mr Lancashire said: “Local people are very disappointed that the judicial review has gone the wrong way.

“We still think that because of its elevated and predominant postion, it would have a huge impact on the unspoilt landscape.”

Council planning boss Karen Ledger said: “It is obviously very pleasing to receive this judgement. It demonstrates that all our processes and procedures were followed correctly, and that the planning decision made was a sound one.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/14/challenge-to-wind-turbine-close-to-ancient-monuments-in-northumberland-thrown-out-by-judge/