Councils’ wind farm views set to be blown away

Sep 1 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

Waiting game

PROPOSALS to hold a three-way wind farm inquiry just seven months after bids were refused were branded “far too early” by a council.

Berwick Borough Council’s planning committee rejected applications for turbines at Moorsyde, Toft Hill and Barmoor at a single meeting in March.

Companies behind the three schemes all subsequently appealed. The council asked they all be heard together at the same public inquiry to save taxpayers’ money.

The authority has been told the planning inspectorate is in favour of a joint hearing, although it understands the appellants are against the idea.

The inspectorate has also suggested the inquiry be heard in October, just seven months after the council meeting.

Director of regeneration Shona Alexander last night said the council had been “a bit surprised” at the suggested date, which she thought “far too early”.

The authority has asked for a later hearing and it is understood the appellants also want more time, saying October is too short notice given the workload of preparing its case.

The authority is already facing a public inquiry following its refusal of plans for a wind farm at Wandylaw and now faces the prospect of conducting two hearings at the same time.

Meanwhile, npower renewables has started preparatory work having recently been given permission by the government for a wind farm at Middlemoor, near Alnwick.

It has held discussions with manufacturers for the supply of turbines and appointed specialist radar consultants to hold talks with Ministry of Defence officials to satisfy their concerns over the scheme’s impact on national security.

npower renewables will also be providing Alnwick District Council with information required under the approval conditions before work can begin.

Regional development manager Clare Wilson said: “This is an exciting project that will bring substantial environmental benefits.

“There is an urgent need to tackle climate change and the wind farm at Middlemoor is very important.”

It is claimed the site would generate enough power to supply the average needs of around 27,600 homes.