Northumberland landscape 'under siege' from wind farms
Nov 26 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal
A GREEN energy company has been slammed for planning yet another wind farm in a Northumberland landscape said to be already 'under siege' from turbine developers.
Npower renewables has been accused of showing ‘complete disrespect’ for local residents and communities after lodging a bid to erect eight giant turbines at Kirkharle, north of Hexham.
The site is next to where three other energy companies are already proposing to build a total of 55 turbines, at Steadings near Kirkwhelpington (21), the Ray Estate (16) and Green Rigg Fell, Birtley (18). Those plans – by Steadings Wind Farm Ltd, Amec Project Investments and Wind Prospect Developments – are currently being assessed at a lengthy public inquiry due to conclude next month after 10 months.
The three developers’ schemes are being opposed by Newcastle Airport, the Ministry of Defence, air traffic control group NATS En Route, Tynedale District Council and local campaign group CREDIT, the Campaign for Responsible Energy Development in Tynedale.
Now Tynedale Council has begun consulting local residents on the new bid by Npower renewables for eight 125m-high turbines at Kirkharle.
Yesterday Karen Archbold, who lives in Great Bavington near Kirkharle and is secretary of CREDIT, said: “We have 55 turbines in the three schemes under consideration at the public inquiry and now a further eight on the table from Npower. Is it any wonder local communities feel as if they are under siege?
“I would ask, is this reasonable behaviour from a so-called responsible energy company like Npower? I just think it shows a complete disrespect for local people and communities, because we have no idea yet what will come out of the public inquiry. Surely the MoD and the airport will object to these eight turbines as well.
“How can Tynedale Council be expected to determine this application ahead of the outcome of the inquiry into the other three? It is absolutely ridiculous and completely out of hand.”
Yesterday a Npower renewables spokesman said: “Because proper consideration has to be given to these projects, they go through a lengthy process and can take a long time to get consent. Because of that, the notion of doing them sequentially is a non-starter.”
