Calls to postpone Berwick wind farm inquiry

Mar 30 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

OPPONENTS of three proposed wind farms in Northumberland last night called for a public inquiry to be postponed, after plans for a new scheme were submitted.

Plans for turbines at Moorsyde, Toft Hill and Barmoor, all near Berwick, are due to be heard at an inquiry beginning on May 6.

Now however a planning application has been submitted for another eight turbines at West Ancroft, in close proximity to the three inquiry sites.

At a recent meeting to discuss arrangements for the hearing, parties were aware that the West Ancroft scheme could be submitted before the inquiry begins and – in the event of that happening – called for guidance on whether they should consider the cumulative impact of all four schemes.

The parties have since been preparing evidence for the inquiry, but may now be asked by the inspector to revise their statements to include West Ancroft.

With the inquiry around five weeks away and deadlines for submission of evidence approaching, The Journal has been told that Berwick Borough Council and at least one opposition group have asked that the inquiry be adjourned, to allow them more time to alter their evidence.

A spokeswoman for the council, which will be replaced in the proceedings by the new Northumberland County Council after Wednesday’s changeover, said: “Officers have suggested that an adjournment may be necessary because of the cumulative effect of this new application.

“As yet we do not know if an adjournment will be granted.”

A spokesman for the Moorsyde Action Group said it would support an adjournment but has yet to make a formal request.