BT to develop County Durham wind farm

BT has gained planning consent to develop a five-turbine wind farm at Red Gap Farm, adjacent to the A19 on the outskirts of Hartlepool close to Elwick in County Durham.

Councillors raised concerns about what effect the wind turbines might have on the local wildlife. But they were told that wildlife experts Natural England and the council's own ecologist had no issues with the scheme.

Chris Girdham, agent on behalf of BT, told councillors: "We believe this scheme will help deliver the national benefits."

Grange ward Labour councillor Carl Richardson voted in favour, saying: "I would rather have 1,000 wind farms than one nuclear power station."

Independent Greatham councillor Geoff Lilley also voted for the scheme stating that he is a "great supporter of all renewable energy".