Region could be carpeted with turbines

Jan 26 2009 By Dan Warburton, The Journal

CAMPAIGNERS have called for the Government to safeguard North East beauty spots as The Journal reveals hundreds of wind turbines could blight the region. Our wind map reveals nearly 250 turbines could pepper the North East landscape in the next year if planning chiefs give them the go-ahead.

Information provided by the region’s councils indicates an influx of turbines could begin to dominate the landscape within a few years.

A total of 64 turbines have already been approved at sites across the North East including a controversial application in Alnwick.

Meanwhile in Tynedale there are currently 74 turbines being scoped for erection by major energy companies.

These include 14 turbines at Kirkharle, 14 at Throckrington, and 24 in Plenmeller, all near Hexham in Northumberland.

In one of few positive announcements for tourism groups fighting the spread of turbines, the North East Assembly has decided to carry out another study into the cumulative impact of wind farms in Durham.

But the Government has reiterated its commitment to produce 15% of the UK’s energy supply from renewable sources, including wind power, by 2020.

Last night Peter Atkinson, Conservative MP for Hexham, said it was unacceptable that the region should become a hotspot for wind farm developments.

He said: "The planning applications for wind turbines for the North East has turned into anarchy. Wind energy companies have realised there is a lottery, meaning they put in as many applications as they can to see which ones are the lucky ones.

"We must not simply accept that our region is a haven for wind turbines. When they (Government planners) drew the map they decided large parts of Northumberland were suitable for wind turbines. But we need to look at the cumulative affect that more than one wind turbine has on our landscape during the planning process.

"We need energy supplies that are reliable for seven days a week and 365 days a year, and wind turbines are not that reliable – building a nuclear power station would help. There is a need to value our landscape and tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the region’s economy which will be hit by more wind farm developments."

The Department for Communities and Local Government said ministers believed local councils were best placed to make decisions regarding wind farms, with controversial applications assessed by the national planning inspectorate if necessary.

But Ruth McNeely, the chairwoman of the North Northumberland Tourism Association, said the increasing number of turbines threatened to destroy the landscape. She said: "We are all in favour of creating alternative sources of power, but not at the expense of our beautiful landscapes. Our concern is that the landscapes would be destroyed as a result of these turbines. It’s an issue about where they are situated and about how the consultation takes place.

"Areas of North Northumberland are areas of unspoilt beauty and that is one of the big tourist attractions. Turbines have the potential to spoil that."