CONTROVERSIAL plans for a wind farm in the Northumberland countryside are being recommended for approval.

The planning application of Inifinis (Novera) for six turbines at Wingates, near Rothbury, goes before Northumberland County Council next week, with officers advising that it be given the go-ahead.

Last night, objectors were angered by the recommendation, and its conclusion that the importance of meeting regional energy targets outweighs local objections.

The application was submitted to the now defunct Alnwick District Council in 2008.

It has been opposed since then by Newcastle International Airport and residents, who have formed the Wingates not Wind Farms action group.

They fear the proposal would ruin views of countryside, including the Simonside hills and Northumberland National Park. Worries have been voiced over impact on tourism, health and wildlife, noise, the local road network to cope with traffic during construction, and distraction of drivers.

Objectors are concerned over the cumulative impact of the turbines with possible other schemes they are opposing at East Wingates and Wingates Moor, Todburn East, Park Head, and View Law.

A decision on the application is to be made by the council’s planning and environment committee on April 5.

The report to the committee states that 75 letters of objection have been submitted by residents, along with a petition of 141 signatures.

Opposition has come in from parish councils – Brinkburn and Hesleyhurst, Longhorsley, Netherwitton, and Nunnykirk, as well as Northumberland National Park Authority.