Turbine protesters fear deluge of bids

Campaigners fighting proposed wind farms in Northumberland last night admitted they fear the floodgates opening after developers apparently overcame MoD objections.

The Ministry is in advanced talks with RidgeWind Ltd which could see its objection to that company's scheme for Wandylaw, near Chathill, withdrawn.

A public inquiry into the bid resumes on Tuesday when the two sides could reach agreement on a condition which would allow the turbines to be erected.

That would address the MoD's opposition over the effects of the turbines on the air defence radar at RAF Brizlee Wood.

And npower renewables last night revealed it was confident of satisfying a condition imposed on its approved Middlemoor scheme nearby, as a result of an identical MoD objection, by Christmas.

The Government gave the go-ahead in August - with the condition that a solution be found to mitigate the effect of the turbines on the radar within five years.

And last night objectors feared the apparent ability of developers to get round the MoD objections could lead to a deluge of applications.

Nick Blezard, chairman of the Save Northumberland's Environment group, which is opposed to both Wandylaw and Middlemoor schemes, said: "It was always a threat or a probability that sooner or later the condition could be met with npower and the same at Wandylaw.

"As long as there is money to be made out of these things, then the power companies are going to be applying for them. One has got to reckon that in the course of the next number of years, the MoD is going to be satisfied and they are going to happen."

Mr Blezard said he knew of another developer interested in a site near the two current schemes.

While the MoD's stance could be seen to have been weakened in the north of the county, it is still objecting to three schemes which are subject to an ongoing joint inquiry in Tynedale.

Stewart Provan, senior development planner for Banks - behind the proposal for turbines at Steadings, near Kirkwhelpington - last night said there are different issues at play with the Tynedale sites.

The MoD is concerned at the impact of those turbines on the air training radar at RAF Spadeadam, not an air defence radar as is the case further north, and does not believe suitable conditions could be applied.

But Mr Provan said what was happening in the north of the county could have other implications in terms of the planning inspector at Middlemoor approving with a condition, rather than accepting the MoD's straightforward calls for refusal.