Wind concerns inform future planning policy
Councillor Glen Sanderson near Fenrother.
Campaigners have cautiously welcomed proposals for a minimum distance between wind turbines and homes, but claim more is needed.
As reported in last week’s Gazette, the county council’s proposed policy on large-scale wind developments would include a ‘presumption against development within a distance of six times the turbine blade tip unless it can be demonstrated that the presence of turbines would not have an unacceptable impact upon living conditions’.
Several recent proposals in north Northumberland have included turbines of around 100-125metres to blade tip, which would mean a distance from homes of 600-750metres.
Coun Glen Sanderson, who has twice put motions before the council calling for similar restrictions, said: “I very much welcome the fact that the county council has listened to people out there who have expressed their concerns very clearly. The response to the original document showed that people are very determined to make sure that the council toughens up its planning policies.”
But last week, Dr James Lunn, who campaigned against the Fenrother windfarm, said: “I think it is an excellent first step, but nothing more than that. I personally feel the separation distance should be greater and the council should offer its residents more protection.”
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Weather for Northumberland
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 33 mph
Wind direction: North west
