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50K views 194 replies 21 participants last post by  Ken O'Heed 
#1 ·
North East favoured for £100m wind power research unit
The north-east of England is being considered as the site for a £100m wind power research centre.

Mitsubishi said it was looking at a number of sites in the region to carry out research into building the world's biggest turbine blades.

The government is supporting the development with grants of up to £30m.

Up to 200 skilled jobs would be created over the next few years, which Business Secretary Lord Mandelson believes could grow to 1,500.

More than £18m of government cash has also been earmarked for an existing offshore wind test site off the coast of Blyth.

Lord Mandelson and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said they had signed a deal with Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Ltd (MPSE).

Mitsubishi Chief Executive Akio Fukui said the firm was looking at a number of locations in the North East where a factory will be built for the research to be carried out.

He said a prototype turbine would be built within three years and the first full-scale production will start after four years.

Lord Mandelson said: "Mitsubishi's investment and the creation of 200 highly skilled jobs is great news for our future plans in low carbon, high technology industries.

"I'm delighted that we are also supporting the wind test site in the North East, which further strengthens the region's position as a leader in the offshore wind farm sector."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/8536154.stm
 
#128 ·
Work continues on £350m wind farm

From today's News Post Leader @ http://www.newspostleader.co.uk/news/local/work-continues-on-350m-wind-farm-1-7313366
Work continues on £350m wind farm
17th June 2015



Exploratory work is to begin on the largest consented offshore wind testing facility in the UK.

EDF Energy Renewables will be carrying out site investigations off the north east coast within the area of its planned Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project during June.

The £350m project – for up to 15 wind turbines – was originally taken through the planning process by the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC), now the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and was granted approval in October 2013 with the turbines up and running by 2017. EDF ER took over responsibility for the project last year, purchasing the site for an undisclosed sum. And two key areas of survey work are now planned; geophysical, by EGS (International) Ltd, which looks at the sea bed, and geotechnical, by GEO (Denmark), which will drill boreholes into the seabed to understand rock formation.

Two specialist vessels, the Blue Beta and the Morven, will carry out the surveys at the proposed site for the turbines and the route the wind farm’s electricity cable will take to shore. The site surveying and subsurface sampling are expected to be complete by the end of June.

Mark Lawson, Blyth offshore windfarm project manager, said: “These surveys will help us to characterise the site to provide all the required information to inform our engineering design and construction plans for the project. The surveys are being undertaken ahead of a final investment decision on building the wind farm, which is expected later this year.” Local fishermen and mariners have been given notices on the work and EDF Energy Renewables has also agreed, with the Marine Management Organisations (MMO) and Natural England, to carry out local environmental monitoring during the surveys. Measures include the use of a fully-trained observer, who will monitor the presence of marine mammals such as dolphins and seals, during the survey work.

Read more @ http://www.newspostleader.co.uk/news/local/work-continues-on-350m-wind-farm-1-7313366
 
#129 ·
Delight for North East anti-windfarm campaigners as onshore wind subsidy is slashed

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-east-analysis/delight-north-east-anti-windfarm-campaigners-9485669
Delight for North East anti-windfarm campaigners as onshore wind subsidy is slashed
19:07, 18 June 2015 By Rachel Wearmouth



Northumberland wind farm campaigners have reacted with delight at news the Government plans to slash a key onshore subsidy - but others fear the move may push up energy bills.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd has unveiled plans to end a subsidies scheme for new wind onshore wind farms a year early. It comes after numerous schemes in rural Northumberland were given planning permission over the last Parliament, despite campaigns against them from villagers.

Environmental campaigners have criticised the Conservatives for attacking the cheapest form of clean energy, while saying they want to cut carbon. They claim the policy will push up energy bills, as support will go to more expensive forms of low-carbon energy to meet targets to tackle climate change.

Industry figures, meanwhile, say thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment across the UK will be left hanging in the balance. Industry body RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery said the decision sent a “chilling signal” to all investors right across the UK’s infrastructure sectors, and would inevitably mean fuel bills go up. It means this Government is quite prepared to pull the rug from under the feet of investors even when this country desperately needs to clean up the way we generate electricity at the lowest possible cost - which is onshore wind,” she said.

The North East Chamber of Commerce agreed the announcement had been quick. Rachel Anderson, NECC head of policy and representation, said: “Such a dramatic change is not unexpected due to announcements made at the launch of the Conservative manifesto, although we are concerned at the speed of the implementation of this policy. We welcome the continuing commitment to off-shore wind development and would hope that any changes will not affect companies engage in the renewables sector in the region.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-east-analysis/delight-north-east-anti-windfarm-campaigners-9485669
 
#131 ·
Wind farm projects in North East cancelled after Government subsidy removal

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/wind-farm-projects-north-east-9563589
Wind farm projects in North East cancelled after Government subsidy removal
06:30, 2 July 2015 By Peter McCusker



Energy Secretary Amber Rudd says the Government’s decision to axe subsidies for onshore wind will lead to the cancellation of hundreds of projects. Peter McCusker reports.

Proposals for at least six new wind farms in the North East look set to be scrapped with objectors in Sedgefield having the most to celebrate as a controversial 24-turbine scheme is now unlikely to proceed. However, those hoping to see an end to any further schemes in Northumberland look set to be disappointed with work set to start on two major new developments.

In fact, at least eight new onshore wind farms look set to be built in the region in the coming months and years – adding to the 30-plus already operating - during what the Government has described as a ‘grace period’ for developers.

When announcing its policy U-turn in the Commons earlier this month, Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said projects which ‘have planning consent, a grid connection offer and acceptance, and evidence of land rights for the site on which their project will be built’ can proceed during the grace period. This equates to over 10 UK schemes, with seven of these in the North East including a 16 turbine development on the Ray Estate, just off the A696 at Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland.

A spokesperson for the developer Vattenfall said it was pushing ahead with its plans for this site: “Vattenfall has discharged all planning conditions associated with the Ray Wind Farm. As a result, we will set out a detailed forward programme to the local community shortly with a view to delivering first power in late 2016.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/wind-farm-projects-north-east-9563589
 
#132 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Government urged to reject wind turbines near Sellafield

By Mark White

Last updated at 10:55, Friday, 10 July 2015

Copeland council’s planning committee has urged the Government to reject plans for two controversial 110m high wind turbines near Sellafield.

Material harm to the landscape, an adverse effect on the areas visual amenity and the fact the plans were not backed by the local community were among some of the reasons the council recommended the Government refuse the application at a planning meeting.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/government-urged-to-reject-wind-turbines-near-sellafield-1.1222146
 
#133 ·
Northumberland wind farm company snaps up neighbouring site near Morpeth

Courtesy of today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-wind-farm-company-snaps-9686608
Northumberland wind farm company snaps up neighbouring site near Morpeth
12:29, 19 July 2015 By Brian Daniel



A renewable energy company has snapped up a wind farm project next to its own scheme in Northumberland.

Infinis Energy has bought an approved turbine project which neighbours its own planned scheme north of Morpeth. The developer plans to begin work across the two sites next month.

Infinis has acquired the nine-turbine scheme on land at the former opencast mine at Maiden’s Hall and Steadsburn, from Peel Energy. The scheme was given planning permission by Northumberland County Council in April 2014. The project, originally proposing 13 turbines, was originally seen as the first phase of the planned £200m Blue Sky Forest project – which aimed to create 800 to 1,000 jobs by developing 2,500 acres of land restored from opencast mining. It included an international-standard golf course and academy, a sports academy, an Olympic-size swimming pool, an artificial ski slope, 300-bed hotel and man-made lake for watersports.

The project sits next to Infinis’ four 126m-turbine Sisters Wind Farm, which was given planning permission by the county council in 2012. That scheme, reduced from an initial five turbines, is another opencast coal mine and is close to land where tens of thousands of slaughtered animals were buried during the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic. Infinis has said the acquisition will “maximise ongoing operational efficiencies.” Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin next month.

Eric Machiels, Infinis chief executive, said: “This deal represents a further significant investment for Infinis in Northumberland that will generate local opportunities and investment. The acquired wind farm is a well-designed project which benefits from an excellent wind resource. The construction timetable for the project fits well with our existing portfolio and will enable us to optimise the use of our resources. As an established operator and responsible developer of renewable projects in the area, we have a long-standing commitment to the local community and businesses. We intend to honour the commitments already made directly in connection with this wind farm and ensure that real economic benefits flow into the area.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-wind-farm-company-snaps-9686608
 
#134 ·
Work set to begin on £90m Northumberland wind farm near Kirkwhelpington

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/work-set-begin-90m-northumberland-9716184
Work set to begin on £90m Northumberland wind farm near Kirkwhelpington
08:30, 24 July 2015 By Brian Daniel


Bill Short, of Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland

Work is set to begin on a controversial new £90m wind farm in Northumberland.

The 16-turbine Ray Wind Farm project near Kirkwhelpington is to get underway later this month after getting the green light by a government minister. This was after a public inquiry where the inspector recommended refusal.

Vattenfall, the Swedish energy company behind it, has expressed its delight that work is soon to begin. Vattenfall’s construction manager for Ray Wind Farm Paul Nickless said: “It’s good to get underway with the Ray Wind Farm construction project. Throughout the 18-month build we will ensure local residents are kept up to date with construction activity. This is an exciting engineering exercise and we hope people will take a lot of interest in what we are doing.” The company is to start a five-month consultation with local residents in August in order to establish the best way to invest a 20-year community fund worth around £250,000 per year.

However Kirkwhelpington resident Bill Short, who spoke against the wind farm at the public inquiry, described it as “a sad day for the Northumberland environment”.

The scheme was given the go-ahead in 2010 after bids for turbines at Green Rigg and Steadings were refused. The Ray project had faced objections from both NATS - the main air navigation service provider in the UK - and Newcastle International Airport over the impact of the turbines on the Great Dun Fell air traffic radar in the North Pennines in Cumbria. A condition of the approval was that the scheme could not proceed until the radar obstacle had been overcome.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/work-set-begin-90m-northumberland-9716184
 
#135 ·
Unique wind turbine blade arrives at ORE Catapult in Blyth for testing

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/unique-wind-turbine-blade-arrives-9856760
Unique wind turbine blade arrives at ORE Catapult in Blyth for testing
12:26, 14 August 2015 By Robert Gibson


Blade Dynamics 78m blade arrives at ORE Catapult in Blyth, Northumberland

One of the world’s most innovative offshore wind turbine rotor blades has arrived in Northumberland from the US for a six month testing programme at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s test, demonstration and research centre.

At 78m long, Blade Dynamics’ prototype D78 blade is just 12m short of the length of a football pitch and the length of eight double decker buses – and is the longest blade ever tested ORE Catapult in Blyth. Based on a unique modular assembly concept, enabling larger, more effective turbines with reduced weight and higher performance. One major advantage of the design is that final stages of the manufacturing process can be completed close to the installation or deployment site, meaning manufacturing can take place around the country, providing a route for the future export of blade components from the UK.

Having made its way from the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the prototype will undergo commissioning and testing using state-of-the-art equipment in Blyth.

Established by the UK Government in 2007, ORE Catapult is one of seven similarly-focused centres to be set up by Innovate UK in high growth industries. It is considered the UK’s flagship technology innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, delivering prioritised research underpinned by world-class test and demonstration facilities.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/unique-wind-turbine-blade-arrives-9856760
 
#136 ·
Wind turbine on Northumberland green belt would be 'unacceptable' says planning inspector

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/wind-turbine-northumberland-green-belt-9874268
Wind turbine on Northumberland green belt would be 'unacceptable' says planning inspector
08:30, 18 August 2015 By Brian Daniel


Fields near Blackheddon Bridge, in Northumberland, where a wind turbine is proposed

A government planning inspector has thrown out a bid for a wind turbine on green belt in Northumberland, claiming it would have an unacceptable impact.

The inspector has dismissed the bid for a 67m turbine on a farm at Stamfordham, near Ponteland, following the application’s initial refusal by Northumberland County Council.

One man who objected to the scheme has welcomed the refusal saying it is “vital” to protect the green belt. Fourteen letters of objection were lodged with the county council.

But the family which farms the land has spoken of its disappointment at the decision, claiming the generator would have powered hundreds of homes in the area and involved a community fund. The application from Guy Green sought a single 500kW wind turbine on a 40m tower, 67m to tip, at Heatherslaw Farm.

Planning officers recommended approval but councillors voted to refuse. An appeal was lodged and the inspector who heard it has now dismissed the challenge. His report states: “I conclude that the harm to the green belt through inappropriateness, loss of openness and conflict with green belt purposes, together with harm arising from landscape and visual impact, is not clearly outweighed by other considerations. Therefore the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal do not exist. The impact of the development on the green belt would be unacceptable.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/wind-turbine-northumberland-green-belt-9874268
 
#137 ·
Work starts at windfarm site

Courtesy of the Morpeth Herald @ http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/work-starts-at-windfarm-site-1-7422833
Work starts at windfarm site
22 August 2015


Work has started on the site of the Sisters windfarm near Widdrington. Picture by Jane Coltman

Two Northumberland firms have won contracts to help with a windfarm development consisting of four, 126-metre-high turbines.

Construction of Infinis Energy PLC’s multi-million-pound Sisters project started last week on land near to Widdrington.

Beck Groundworks in Amble and KW Purvis Ltd in Alnwick have been appointed to build the site entrance.

The work effectively kick-starts the ground operations, which will include installation of the site compound/access tracks in readiness for the main construction activity later this year.

The scheme is expected to be completed in autumn 2016.
 
#138 ·
Wind turbines and solar panels on way in South Tyneside

Source: Shields Gazette - 26 August

Link - http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/wind-turbines-and-solar-panels-on-way-in-south-tyneside-1-7429085

South Tyneside Council is pushing ahead with two new green energy bids which could see wind turbines established on borough industrial estates, it has emerged.

The move would also see the provision of solar panels on 14 council-owned buildings, including, possibly, the 1960s block at South Shields Town Hall.

Work to put wind turbines onto borough industrial sites is at an early stage.

And the council is eager to stress the turbines would be limited in scale – and would only be established on as yet to be decided industrial sites away from residential properties and open spaces.

A council spokesman said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and becoming a greener authority.

“One of the ways we plan to achieve this is by taking advantage of renewable energy sources, which are not only better for the environment, but could help to cut the council’s energy bills by up to 25%.
 
#139 ·
This from the News & Star,---

Fears for bats sink bid for wind turbine on edge of Carlisle

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 10:03, Saturday, 19 September 2015

Plans for a wind turbine on the outskirts of Carlisle have been rejected – to help protect local bats.



H&H Group had wanted to build a 112ft high structure at their Borderway Mart on Montgomery Road in Rosehill.

But officials raised fears that some rare species of bat could be affected by the proposed development.

At a meeting of Carlisle City Council’s development control committee, members heard that H&H had proposed to monitor the effect on the local bat population with a regular search for dead bodies once the turbine – which would have measured 34.4m (112.9ft) from root to tip – was built and in operation between March and October.

The firm would then have taken action to stop any harm to the mammals. This could have included turning the turbine off for certain hours of the day.

But Angus Hutchinson, the authority’s principal development control officer, said there were many species of bats and some could be severely affected by the turbine.

He recommended to members that the application be rejected as a result of this, despite it having been recommended for approval in their papers.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/f...or-wind-turbine-on-edge-of-carlisle-1.1227663
 
#140 ·
Duddo Stone Circle wind turbine bid refused by government minister Greg Clark

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/duddo-stone-circle-wind-turbine-10192385
Duddo Stone Circle wind turbine bid refused by government minister Greg Clark
4 Oct 2015 By Brian Daniel


Duddo stone circle in Northumberland

Plans for a wind turbine close to Northumberland’s answer to Stonehenge have been thrown out by the government.

The proposal less than two miles from the 4,000-year-old Duddo Stone Circle has been rejected by minister for communities and local government Greg Clark.

The decision follows a lengthy planning battle which saw the government opt not to defend a planning inspector’s decision to give the turbine the go-ahead in the High Court, following a protest led by a cross-party group of North East peers and the Bishop of Newcastle.

The guardian of the stone circle has spoken of her delight that visitors’ enjoyment of the scheduled ancient monument will not be impacted by a turbine, but voiced her regret that the proposal which attracted 90 objections has proved so divisive in the community.

Scottish company 3R Energy Solutions initially applied to Northumberland County Council for planning permission for a 74m 800 kilowatt machine at Shoreswood Farm, Ancroft – near Berwick, and home of William Jackson. Its bid attracted 14 letters of support. Yet the proposal faced the 90 objections from residents, three parish councils and the county’s archaeologist, amid fears over the proximity to the stones.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/duddo-stone-circle-wind-turbine-10192385
 
#141 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Change in the wind: more turbines okayed for Fishburn



CONTROVERSIAL plans to build wind turbines on two neighbouring farms have been approved, despite the concerns of neighbours.

The owners of Trimdon House Farm and West House Farm want to erect two 500kw turbines on agricultural land south of Harap Road, near Fishburn, both to power their farms and feed energy into the national grid.

But their scheme, first mooted several years ago, ran into opposition from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Durham Tees Valley Airport and Fishburn Parish Council, among others.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne..._the_wind__more_turbines_okayed_for_Fishburn/
 
#142 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Wind turbine near Carlisle backed by city planning officers

By Pamela McGowan

Published at 09:49, Monday, 19 October 2015

A controversial wind turbine which has divided a community could finally get the go-ahead next week.

The 67m-high structure would be built at the Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay, near Carlisle. It has received both strong opposition and strong support from the local area.

The business, along with Harmony Energy, has been trying for years to get permission for a turbine that would meet their needs.

Back in 2009 consent was granted for a smaller 11kw structure, but it was decided it would not provide enough power to meet the needs of the stables business.

In 2011 a larger 50kw turbine was refused due to an objection from Carlisle Airport. Two years later an application for a much more powerful 500kw model was submitted, providing power for the business as well as an extra income stream.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/w...le-backed-by-city-planning-officers-1.1229061
 
#143 ·
This from the News & Star,---

Lillyhall wind turbines plan rejected by Government inspector

By Caroline Barber

Last updated at 09:40, Tuesday, 17 November 2015

An appeal to build a number of wind turbines has been thrown out by a Government expert.





News & Star
News

Lillyhall wind turbines plan rejected by Government inspector

By Caroline Barber

Last updated at 09:40, Tuesday, 17 November 2015

An appeal to build a number of wind turbines has been thrown out by a Government expert.
Wind turbine photo
Wind turbine

Members of Cumbria County Council’s development control committee officially noted a report on the dismissal of the proposal – for Lillyhall Landfill Site, at Lillyhall Industrial Estate, Workington – at a meeting.

It stated a Government planning inspector agreed with the decision of the committee to refuse permission for the structures after concluding they would cause ‘substantial cumulative harm to the character of the landscape’.

The applicant, FCC Environment, appealed the initial refusal resulting in a public inquiry, held at the Energus Centre, in Lillyhall, in April.

But the application was formally dismissed by the planning inspectorate earlier this month.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/l...an-rejected-by-government-inspector-1.1230540
 
#144 ·
Plans for Northumberland wind turbines ditched to the delight of residents

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...northumberland-wind-turbines-ditched-10458927
Plans for Northumberland wind turbines ditched to the delight of residents
18 Nov 2015 By Brian Daniel


Existing wind turbines near Eglingham in North Northumberland

Proposals for massive turbines close to one of the country’s biggest wind farms have been ditched, sparking joy among local residents.

Brookfield Renewable UK, formerly known as PNE Wind UK, was working on a scheme for nine turbines near an existing 28 - 125m high - close to Alnwick in Northumberland. The company has now pulled the plug on its project, citing changes in planning policy. The company was working on plans for turbines on Ditchburn Farm, north of Eglingham - alongside the 18 generator RWE Innogy Middlemoor project and 10 of Blue Energy at Wandylaw.

The news has been welcomed by people living near the site who had opposed the scheme. Locals formed the Ditchburn Action Group to fight the proposals, with members believing their area has suffered enough from the perceived blight of turbines, and that the generators will impact on historic sites, the landscape and on property values. They turned out in force to a public exhibition staged by the developer, with 100 percent of the 50 plus residents taking part in an exit poll on the first day voicing opposition. A number of signs bearing slogans opposing the turbine scheme were put in gardens at both Eglingham and South Charlton.

Now, in an email sent to those who attended, Brookfield has confirmed it will not be proceeding with the scheme. An official states: “Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd (formerly PNE Wind UK) no longer intend to submit a planning application for the proposal. This decision has been taken following recent policy changes in planning and market support in the UK and particularly in England.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...northumberland-wind-turbines-ditched-10458927
 
#145 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Brothers hopeful of Teesdale windfarm plan approval despite objections



TWO brothers are hoping to build a wind farm in Teesdale, despite objections to the plans.

Andrew and Mark Thompson have applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to build two 46m turbines on their family farm, located next to the A66, near Barnard Castle.

They claim the Ponder Gill wind turbine project could generate more than £1m for the community if the plans are approved.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...le_windfarm_plan_approval_despite_objections/
 
#146 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Farmer's wind turbine plans approved



A FARMER has won planning permission to install a wind turbine which he claims will help him stay in business for the foreseeable future.

The 45-metre tall turbine will be installed on farmland between Hunwick and North Bitchburn after local councillors told the planning committee there was “significant support” for the proposal in the local community.

Members of Durham County Council’s County Planning committee voted by seven votes to six to allow the turbine, overturning a recommendation by their officers that the application be refused.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...4118954.Farmer_s_wind_turbine_plans_approved/
 
#147 ·
Wind farms in Northumberland 'dramatically and abruptly interrupt views'

From today's Chronicle |Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...northumberland-dramatically-abruptly-10626255
Wind farms in Northumberland 'dramatically and abruptly interrupt views'
20 Dec 2015 By Brian Daniel


Plans for a wind farm near South Charlon. Impression of how the farm will look. Pic taken from Rock Farm turn off (off A1)

Massive wind turbines in Northumberland have “dramatically” and “abruptly” interrupted views of the county’s attractions and landscapes, a council report claims.

Views from lookouts such as Ros Castle, Cataran Hill and Preston Tower, and of attractions like Dunstanburgh Castle and the county’s stunning coastline, have been disrupted by the construction of 28 125m turbines near Alnwick, the study finds.

The report also claims that the views have been effected to a “significantly greater degree” than suggested by the developers of the wind farms. The study looks at how the impact of the county’s turbines compares to that envisaged by the developers before they were erected, listing a number of criticisms of the planning submissions in light of its findings, including that some have underrepresented the size of planned generators by 30 percent.

Two respected conservation bodies in the county have called for lessons to be learnt to prevent to prevent further “iconic tourist landscapes” being “scarred for decades.”

The report has been produced by local planning authority Northumberland County Council and looks at wind projects including the adjoining Middlemoor and Wandylaw schemes. The report says the projects appear as one due to their proximity and yet the developer of the Wandylaw scheme gave “minimum” consideration to cumulative impact of the projects at the planning stage. Furthermore, the developer of the Middlemoor scheme is said to have failed to consider Wandylaw at all when looking at cumulative impact, despite the latter already being at the scoping stage when drawings were done. The study states: “It is almost impossible to assess the effects of Wandylaw and Middlemoor wind Farms separately, as reported in the respective ESs (environmental statements), due to the extent of their combined effects whereby the two wind farms effectively read as one from many viewpoints.” The report also highlights the fact that the impact of the Middlemoor turbines on “iconic coastal heritage feature” Dunstanburgh Castle was not considered at the planning stage.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...northumberland-dramatically-abruptly-10626255
 
#148 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Campaigners' joy at reports of energy giant withdrawing plan for 'biggest' onshore windfarm



CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after reports that E.ON is withdrawing its application to build what would have been one of England's largest onshore windfarms.

The Northern Echo understands the power giant's fiercely opposed plan for the 24-turbine wind farm in County Durham could be withdrawn by the end of the week.

The proposed scheme, known as The Isles wind farm, was scaled back from 45 turbines in 2012 and would have seen the renewable energy site spread across two areas close to the A1 motorway, near Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...hdrawing_plan_for__biggest__onshore_windfarm/
 
#149 ·
This from the News & Star,---

Appeal lodged after Carlisle council refuses wind turbines



AN APPEAL has been launched after plans for two wind turbines near the Orton Grange development, outside Carlisle, were refused.

Farmer Richard Martin wants to install two turbines reaching 86.45m on land to the north east of Orton Park but his application was refused.

Planners at Carlisle City Council refused the plan last year stating that it “would have a detrimental cumulative impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding landscape”.

Mr Martin has now lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State.


Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/A...bines-d7cfe5a3-8c94-423f-a3b6-111712ca4257-ds
 
#150 ·
Not quite wind power but a sustainable energy issue.

From The News and Star, 11th February

Plans for Solway Firth tidal lagoon stall

A MULTI-BILLION pound tidal power project off the Workington coast has been put on the back burner by the company behind it.

Tidal Lagoon Power announced its proposals in 2014 for the tidal lagoon to be created between the Port of Workington and Dubmill Point, just north of Allonby.

Despite feasibility studies being carried out, the firm has decided to concentrate on its first two lagoon project in Swansea Bay and Newport, in Wales.

It was approved by energy ministers last year but this week, Tidal Lagoon Power said the project been set back 12 months, after negotiations over how much public money it would need stalled.

Mark Sharrock, chief executive, said a definitive answer about how much cash would be forthcoming in the next four to six weeks, or the project would run into major problems.

The firm wanted to create six lagoons across the UK.

It was hoped that the west Cumbrian lagoon would be operational by 2023.
Full story at http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/l...stall-825dac06-ba30-418e-a9e4-d6932a2ebc45-ds
 
#151 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Governments should follow Cumbrian borough's lead on renewable energy



10 March 2016 12:13PM

WORLD leaders and national governments should take a leaf out of Allerdale’s green book, according to environmental think tank Green Alliance.

A study by the think tank found that Allerdale is leading the way with regard to renewable energy in the north west.

Allerdale gets 86.6 per cent of its power from renewable sources, predominantly from on-shore wind turbines, biomass and solar panels. It is the leader by a long way – the next closest authorities are in Lancashire: Rossendale with 54.7 per cent and Hyndburn with 29.9 per cent.

Most local authorities get less than 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources, including Eden, 5.1 per cent, and Carlisle, 3.9 per cent. Copeland is in the top six authorities in the north west with 20.5 per cent.

Power generated by renewable energy across the county is put into the national grid and then sent to where it is needed, so to calculate the figures Green Alliance compared the amount of energy generated by renewable energy sources in an area with that area’s total energy consumption.

Offshore wind was not included in the calculations, though it is the dominant source of renewable energy in the north west. There is enough offshore wind capacity in the north west to meet the electricity needs of one million households.

Amy Mount, senior policy adviser at Green Alliance, said part of the drive behind the research was to show that investment in renewable energy at a local level can have a wider impact.

She said: “Climate change can be a very daunting issue because it’s about the whole planet heating up, but, actually, what these figures show is that communities are already benefiting from the investment.”

Following on from the United Nations Climate Change Summit in December, she argued the research demonstrates that changes are already happening at a local level.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/G...nergy-de3b2cc1-b7a9-4e2d-b62c-8be55979838b-ds
 
#152 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Inspector rejects appeal for new wind mast in west Cumbria



6 May 2016 11:36AM

A wind turbine will not be allowed to go up in Distington after an appeal was thrown out.

Copeland council initially denied planning permission for the 48m-high turbine at Boonwood Farm in March 2015, having received 48 letters of objection from concerned locals and Distington Parish Council.

An appeal by the landowner David Christopherson has now been turned down by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Inspector Keith Manning agreed with Copeland’s assessment that the turbine would be “unacceptably harmful in visual and landscape terms”.

He said that although there are “significant” benefits to the scheme, in terms of renewable energy and diversification of the farm business, they are outweighed by the negatives.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/I...mbria-f5d62aa7-88be-4004-b600-946062f1dd5a-ds
 
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