‘Government must enter debate over windfarms’

Phil Wilson is calling for the intervention because he believes the plans represent excessive development in his Sedgefield constituency.

He has written to Peter Mandelson, secretary of state for business innovation and science, asking that the Government call in the schemes.

Mr Wilson said: “It seems to me only fair that any planning applications should not be taken in isolation on a first come, first serve basis.

“Consideration needs to be taken into the cumulative effect of so many wind farms in one area.

“There should be an overarching policy for the area and there doesn’t seem to be one.

“Yes to some wind turbines, not dozens, especially when independent reports state that landscapes cannot cope with the numbers envisaged.”

Mr Wilson’s voiced his concerns as E.ON UK submitted an application for ten turbines near Mordon, at the centre of his constituency.

Many of the other 62 turbines fall outside of Sedgefield, and indeed County Durham, but Mr Wilson said he has concerns for the wider area.

A report by consultants Arup, for the Regional Spatial Strategy, suggested that the area in question was suitable for 20 to 25 turbines.

Some proposed sites are only 3km apart, which Mr Wilson said is short of the recommended 5km distance.

In addition, he said the proposals have a combined output of 147mws, well past the permitted 126mws total for County Durham.

Mr Wilson said: “The secretary of state has the right to look at any energy installation over 50mws.

“The proposed wind farm at Mordon will be 25mw, but if the other sites, both planned and proposed, are taken into consideration, the figure rises to 100mw.

“Because of the cumulative affect of so many turbines in the area the wind farms should not be considered individually.”

E.ON said it expects the Government’s targets for wind power to increase in the future and that not all applications are likely to be granted.