Mixed success in Northumberland as one wind farm gains consent but two are rejected

The Government has rejected plans for two wind farms in Northumberland but allowed a third. Proposals for seven turbines at Toft Hill and seven at Moorsyde, both near Berwick, have been rejected but plans for six 110-metre engines at nearby Barmoor have been approved.

The decisions were taken by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government John Denham following the recommendations of a planning inspector who conducted a public inquiry into the three schemes last year.

The inquiry followed Berwick Borough Council’s decision to refuse all three schemes in March 2008 and the developers’ subsequent appeals.

Mr Denham has ruled Catamount Energy’s Barmoor project would not have an unacceptable impact on views or a significant effect on scheduled ancient monuments and cultural heritage.

But Mr Denham found Your Energy’s Moorsyde scheme would have a major effect on the landscape and views of the Cheviots and would breach accepted noise limits. The minister also decided npower Renewables’ Toft Hill project would have an unacceptable impact on the Duddo Standing Stones.