Bolam residents prepare for nPower wind farm battle

Jul 23 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

RESIDENTS of a medieval hamlet are steeling themselves for a “David and Goliath” battle against a wind farm giant.

Energy company nPower Renewables wants to build six wind turbines just outside Bolam, near West Auckland in County Durham.

The massive structures would tower over the community, just 400 metres away from the homes of local residents.

Now the occupants of Bolam – which contains one pub and a smattering of houses – have formed their own campaign group, Bolam and Area Action Group (BAAG) to fight the proposal.

Campaigner Kathy Pagella said the turbines, if they are given the go-ahead by planners, would be visible from as far afield as Durham City to the north, Billingham to the east and North Yorkshire to the south.

BAAG members have joined forces with campaigners at Hamsterley, County Durham, who are opposing plans to build a nine wind turbine development at the aptly named Windy Bank nearby.