Wind farm company objects to eco-friendly Waterfalls park
Mar 8 2010 by David Black, The Journal
AN energy company has come under fire for trying to block a tourism development close to where it wants to build a controversial wind farm in the Northumberland countryside.
In an ironic twist on the argument that wind farms harm tourist businesses, Wind Prospect Developments – which is seeking approval for 18 turbines at Green Rigg Fell in Tynedale – has formally objected to the proposed eco-friendly Waterfalls holiday park and equestrian centre near Ridsdale.
Developers behind the Waterfalls Country Estate claim it will pump £1.7m a year into the rural economy, provide 20 full-time jobs, bring 106 construction jobs and create a high-quality and sustainable tourist facility.
But Wind Prospect says the bid is “deficient” as it has failed to properly assess the impact of the holiday and leisure complex on the proposed 36-megawatt wind farm at Green Rigg.
In a 42-page objection, the company says the Waterfalls scheme should be subject to an environmental impact assessment and is clearly contrary to the existing development plan.
It also questions the employment claims and says the contribution to the local economy has been overstated.
Wind Prospect is currently awaiting a Government decision on its plans to put up 100m-high turbines at Green Rigg, following a public inquiry which ended in December 2008.
Karen Archbold, of Great Bavington, is secretary of pressure group Campaign for Responsible Energy Development in Tynedale (Credit), which is resisting plans for 55 wind turbines on three sites in the area, including Green Rigg Fell.
Last night she described Wind Prospect’s objection to the Waterfalls project as “hugely ironic” and said: “We are told wind turbines are supposed to be a big draw for tourists, so I would have thought Wind Prospect would be rubbing their hands at having a tourist attraction like this on the doorstep of their wind farm.
“In terms of sustainable jobs and beneficial impacts on the local economy, there is no comparison between the two schemes.”
