MoD opposition to wind farm dropped

Oct 22 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

DEFENCE chiefs yesterday dropped their objection to a proposed Northumberland wind farm, after reaching agreement with the developers.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) opted not to maintain opposition to RidgeWind Ltd’s plans for 10 125m turbines at Wandylaw, near Chathill, for which a public inquiry concluded yesterday.

The MoD has instead agreed a condition with the developers which the parties invited planning inspector David Cullingford to impose if he approves the wind farm.

It would mean the developers having to present to local planning authority Berwick Borough Council a means by which defence concerns can be addressed. These concerns are the impact of the turbines on the air defence radar at RAF Brizlee Wood.

The MoD agreed to the condition on the basis that it will be given the chance to assess the proposed mitigatory measure before final consent is given.

Its representative Philip Coppel told the inquiry at Berwick Rugby Club: “The MoD is willing to accept the adverse radar effect and operational effect if, and only if, these are controlled by the imposition of a condition on the planning permission in the terms which has been agreed between it and the developer.

“We say nothing less will sufficiently address the concerns of the MoD.

“We accept the condition, the proposed condition, on the footing that it is technically feasible.

“We are satisfied that there is a reasonable prospect that the condition can be satisfied within the lifetime of the planning permission.”

Vincent Fraser QC, for RidgeWind, said the condition sets out specifications to be met and that how they are met is a matter for further discussion.

Yet he said there are several ways in which they could be met.

“It is now apparent that the MoD’s concerns can be satisfied by a condition which the applicant is prepared to accept.”

The public inquiry followed the borough council’s refusal of the scheme last October, on the grounds of the MoD’s stance and effect on tourism and landscape.

However, the council shelved the latter two objections after a planning inspector ruled them insufficient to override the need for renewable energy, when approving the neighbouring Middlemoor scheme.

That inspector considered MoD objections on an identical basis to Wandylaw could be dealt with by a similar condition to that being proposed for RidgeWind’s project.

The MoD was due to object at yesterday’s inquiry but entered discussions with the developer aimed at reaching agreement on a condition.

Yesterday’s withdrawal of the defence opposition prompted the council to withdraw its last objection.

Opposition on tourism and landscape grounds has been maintained by local parish councils and campaign group Save Northumberland’s Environment.