Seamer turbine plans recommended for approval (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Seamer turbine plans recommended for approval

4:55pm Tuesday 15th September 2009

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PLANS to build wind turbines next to two villages look set to be given the go-ahead after planning officers recommended that permission be granted.

The controversial plans to build two 125m-tall turbines on land between Seamer and Hilton, near Stokesley, in North Yorkshire, were revised by developers after they were initially rejected by Hambleton District Council in November 2008.

The site straddles the boundary line between Hambleton and Stockton Borough Council, which granted planning permission for three turbines to be built on it’s side of the land after receiving revised plans in July.

The proposed plans for the wind farm on the Hambleton side have not been substantially changed by developers Broadview, but several slight amendments were made to the Stockton plans.

Broadview have also carried out extra surveys and assessments in the area to address the issues raised as the reasons for refusal by both councils.

The original application was rejected by Hambleton District Council on the grounds that ‘the proposed wind farm would result in unacceptable harm to the character of the local landscape and to the amenity of local residents.’ Objections to the Hambleton development have been lodged by surrounding town and parish councils, including Seamer, Hilton, Rudby, Ingleby Barwick, and Stokesley and by the Seamer and Hilton Windfarm Action Group.

There are concerns about the noise generated by the turbines, which would be just 625m from the nearest farm, and the shadow flicker, caused by light passing through the rotating turbines, which can cause photo sensitive epilepsy.

Worries about increased traffic, environmental damage and the negative impact on local tourism have also been put forward as issues. The application will be discussed in full at a meeting of Hambleton District Council’s Development Management Committee on Thursday at 1.30pm before a decision is made whether to grant or reject the plans.

The recommendation by council planning officers that the plans be granted has a list of 33 conditions attached to try and address some of the concerns raised, including restrictions on how much noise can be created by the turbines at certain times of day.

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