I came across this article in this morning's Northern Echo. There are clear similarities between the application at Eppleby and the one submitted by EDF-ER for 5 turbines at Sheraton. Notably, both have raised objections from Durham Tees Valley (DTV) airport and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on grounds of radar clutter.
In my opinion, given that the application for a single 67m turbine at Eppleby has been withdrawn for this reason then surely the impact of a wind farm comprising 5 turbines (each at 115m) at Sheraton would also "seriously compromise" aircraft safety in our area and ought to attract a greater level of objection.
Whilst I believe that this is positive news it must be noted that these are two separate applications submitted to two separate planning authorities and we shouldn't raise our hopes unduly. We must remain focused on the campaign to oppose the Sheraton wind farm development.
For further information on my campaign against the Sheraton proposals please see posts dated 27 & 30 January, 2, 21 & 22 March and 2,3, & 26 April or type "Sheraton Wind Farm" into the search bar at the top of this site.
Campaigners pleased as Eppleby wind turbine plan shelved
12:00pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News: Richmond & The Dales
By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a wind turbine have been withdrawn following concerns by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and airport bosses.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 MoD which said the turbine would interfere with the radar at RAF Leeming.
A further objection was submitted by Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA).
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 at the airport.
Planning officers told the applicants that 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 development, welcomed the applicant’s decision to withdraw the proposal.
“And this doesn’t men these people won’t come back with an alternative plan to put up smaller turbines.”He said: “We’re pleased, but we will remain vigilant that someone won’t come and submit something similar in the future.
District councillor Mick Griffiths said the outcome was an example of “local democracy in the planning system working at its best”.
He added: “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 applicant Paula Scott, from Barnard Castle, however the land is owned by farmer James Milbank, from Dalton, near Richmond.
The application was withdrawn (OCT16) 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.
