Windfarm plans go on show

Renewable energy specialists Banks, of Tow Law, received a mixed reaction from Woodland residents to their proposed £20m site at the aptly named Windy Bank, on farmland between the village and Hamsterley Forest.

The company has given planning authority Durham County Council an initial scoping report identifying issues to be considered and will soon apply for permission for a test mast.

But with a second site proposed in the same area by Bolsterone Innovative Energy, some residents fear other windfarms could follow.

Opponent Peter Shield, from Copley, said the sites were in the wrong place.

He said: "They are completely inappropriate. This is a particularly sensitive location.

"The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is only 3km away and the windfarms would have a tremendous impact on the view.

"I am particularly concerned about the effect on wildlife, especially birds, because of the large numbers of golden plover and curlew here.

"The Gaunless Valley area has seen a big increase in visitors over the past few years and there are holiday lets in the Woodland and Copley area which could lose business if this went ahead."

Woodland resident Jill Coope (correct) thought Banks has chosen the right site. She said: "Days like this show you couldn’t go to a better place for wind.

"The turbines won’t spoil the area for me. They are something for the future.

"I think people will always oppose new ideas but they come round once they get used to things."

Neighbour Margaret Liddle said: "Banks have put forward a good argument.

"Although I think that tidal and wave power is the way to go, I realise that wind power is more developed so we might as well make use of it."

Banks director Rob Williams said: "We always find there are mixed opinions and we are happy with what we have heard at Woodland.

"The views from the AONB are an issue that we are aware of and are hopeful that we can achieve a solution through careful design."