Village views sought on large wind farm proposal

EDF Energy, based at Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, is proposing to build the wind farm with a control building on land near to the Royal Oak Farm, Heighington.

The turbines are expected to annually power 4,166 homes and save up to 14,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

A spokesman for EDF Energy said: "We've had a meteorological mast on the site which has found that wind resources in that area are good and it would be a suitable site.

"We are looking at erecting up to five turbines which are 80m tall from the ground to end of the highest blade.

"Prior to the application being submitted we held a number of exhibitions to inform members of the public about the plans and to collect any comments.

"The results were fed into an environmental impact assessment which takes into account everything from the affect on the environment, wildlife, birds to geology, which is part of our application. I am not aware of any major concerns raised."

The company already owns two wind farms in Derwentside and Northumberland and plans to develop the new site to meet Government targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Heighington Parish Council chairman Brian Anderson said that members were due to consider the plans at last night's meeting.

He said: "The company came out about 12 months ago and did a presentation to the parish council. Members will decide if we will make any comments on the plans at the meeting.

"From the point of view of Heighington, we in fairness won't be able to see the full extent of the wind turbines. However, some residents in Shildon may see them.

"It will be down to Darlington Borough Council's planning committee to make the final decision."

EDF Energy is also to hold two extra public consultation sessions next week. Representatives will be at Heighington Village Hall on Monday from 3-7pm and at the Jubilee Fields Community Centre, in Shildon, on Wednesday from 3-7pm.