Battle lines drawn over power plans

May 5 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A BATTLE over moves to put 20 turbines in the Northumberland countryside resumes tomorrow.

A public inquiry will begin at Berwick, close to where renewable energy companies are seeking to establish three wind farms.

The inquiry was triggered by the now defunct Berwick Borough Council’s refusal of the three applications last March and the developers’ subsequent appeals.

The companies say their projects would help tackle climate change, contribute to meeting renewable energy targets and point to the area’s designation as suitable for some form of wind development.

Three action groups are fighting the proposals, alongside Northumberland County Council, which has assumed the borough council’s responsibilities.

Opponents say the structures will devastate the landscape with their visual impact, and also the cultural heritage of the area.

They also fear the turbines will create noise pollution for nearby residents.

The action groups have each struggled to find tens of thousands of pounds to hire barristers and planning experts to make their case at the inquiry.