Northumberland wind farm plan sparks new protest

Nov 18 2009 by David Black, The Journal

MAGNIFICENT views enjoyed by visitors to an award-winning North East holiday complex would be ruined by plans to build four massive wind turbines nearby, it is claimed.

Businessman Alun Moore has invested about £2m over the last 20 years in developing his Beacon Hill holiday centre, 15 self-catering cottages and a luxury spa on a hilltop north west of Morpeth, Northumberland.

It is the only double winner of England’s Self Catering Holiday of the Year award, and has also picked up the North East Self Catering Holiday of the Year title in 2006 and the Green Tourism Award last year.

But now Mr Moore fears his business, which employs 14 people locally, will suffer badly if plans by Novera Energy to erect four 101m turbines at nearby Todd Hill, Pigdon, are given the go-ahead.

He is supporting protest group Put People First which is opposing the turbines, each of which would be five times the height of the Angel of the North.

Mr Moore said: “We have got one of the best views in Northumberland from here and I believe it would be absolutely ridiculous to build these windmills. One of the main things people come here for are the views, and I think it is a massive mistake to ruin such a vital asset.

“Instead of looking down on to a beautiful valley, with Morpeth close by, my guests will look up to the top of industrial installations which, at 101 metres, will be higher than the hill we sit upon.

“I know this will have an impact on my business because I am already being questioned about it continually. My guests spend locally and contribute hundreds of thousands of pounds towards the £600m tourism brings annually to Northumberland. I have surveyed them and they are appalled by the proposal, which will discourage them from coming back. My business, supported enthusiastically by the planners, is now at risk from the planners if they make the wrong decision.”

Novera Energy is seeking permission from the county council to erect the four turbines at Todd Hill, and six at Wingates near Longhorsley.

Stephen Hannay, project manager with Novera Energy, said: “As a potential neighbour of this excellent local business we appreciate the concern felt by Mr Moore. However, this is a relatively small, compact wind farm, positioned some 2km away from his business.

“Although it is possible to see the wind farm from some parts of his grounds, an independent survey confirms that there will be no direct views from the properties at Beacon Hill due to the screening effect of surrounding woodlands.”