Turbine plan withdrawn over aircraft danger fears (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Turbine plan withdrawn over aircraft danger fears

4:54pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a wind turbine have been withdrawn following concerns by the Ministry of Defence and airport bosses.

Campaigners say they are pleased, but will remain vigilant after the application for a 67-metre tall wind turbine near Eppleby, between Richmond and Darlington, was cancelled by the applicant.

The decision was taken after objections were received by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which said the turbine would interfere with the radar at RAF Leeming.

A further objection was submitted by Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Airport chiefs said the turbine’s blades would cause “clutter” on its radar, which could be mistaken for aircraft.

Peter Nears, strategy planning director at the airport, said the turbine would be “seriously compromise” safety.

Planning officers told the applicants the scheme would be rejected unless they could reach agreement with the airport and MoD about their concerns.

About 60 members of the public also raised concerns with Richmondshire District Council about the scheme.

Stephen Eastham, who led a campaign against the turbine, welcomed the applicant’s decision to withdraw the proposal.

He said: “We’re pleased, but we will remain vigilant that someone won’t come and submit something similar in the future.

“This doesn’t mean these people won’t come back with an alternative plan to put up smaller turbines.”

District councillor Mick Griffiths said the outcome was an example of “local democracy in the planning system working at its best”.

He said: “Residents put their concerns forward through the planning process and as a result the application has been withdrawn. I’m grateful to the 130 local people who attended a meeting purely to discuss the application.”

The application for a single 500kw turbine was submitted by Paula Scott, from Barnard Castle. However, the land is owned by farmer James Milbank, from Dalton, near Richmond.

The application was withdrawn this week by the applicant’s agents, Harrogate-based Carter Jones.

Andy Lowe, from Carter Jones, said: “It’s been withdrawn for aviation reasons after concerns were raised that it would interfere with nearby radar.”

Mr Lowe said the company was in discussion with the MoD and DTVA, but no decision had been taken on whether the application would be resubmitted.