A SINGLE wind turbine on the edge of a scenic Northumberland village has come a step closer after being approved by planners.

The 15m turbine on businessman Bob Thompson’s land at Great Whittington, Northumberland, has been given a conditional go-ahead by Northumberland Council’s west area planning committee.

The Ministry of Defence has decided the turbine will have no adverse impact on its operations at RAF Spadeadam, close to the Cumbrian border.

And while final responses are awaited from Whittington Parish Council – which originally objected – and Newcastle Airport before the end of the official consultation period, the committee voted unanimously in favour of the turbine.

Village farmers Alan and Jessie Tiffin had registered their concerns that the noise and flicker of the turbine blades could upset their sheep and cattle.

But the original planned siting of the turbine has been revised, taking it to 250m away from the nearest dwelling after Mr Thompson’s own Eastgates property.

Planning officer Jenny Green told the committee: “It’s not an ideal location for it, but it does satisfy the MoD’s concern.

“It a 15.5m mast and the blades take it to just over 20m high.

“But it is on rising ground that is not particularly visible from any public viewpoint.”

The mast, intended for domestic use only at Eastgates, will feature underground cables.

The initial application placed the turbine next to a hedgerow and line of trees, but the county ecologist said it was likely to have an impact on bat colonies.

Natural England says domestic turbines should not stand within 50m of buildings used as roosts, trees, hedges or ponds.

A bat survey was carried out and the area was found to be an important bat foraging area and commuting route.

The new siting is 40 metres away, cutting the risk of bats being struck by the turning blades.

And the distance from other houses is now almost twice the 130m maximum for night-time noise levels recommended under planning policy.

In November a decision was postponed at the last minute when the MoD made its potential concerns known, but now the ministry says that, after full consideration, it has no objection.

Planning committee member Coun Edward Heslop said: “A month ago it was postponed at the last minute. A lot of the problems have now been addressed, and the recipient is closest to it.

“It isn’t perfect, but I have had no direct comment since this resubmission came in.”

It is on rising ground that is not particularly visible from any public viewpoint