Plans for Northumberland wind turbines ditched to the delight of residents

The Ditchburn scheme, which would have seen nine turbines close to an existing 28, has been scrapped by the developer
    
Proposals for massive turbines close to one of the country’s biggest wind farms have been ditched, sparking joy among local residents.

Brookfield Renewable UK, formerly known as PNE Wind UK, was working on a scheme for nine turbines near an existing 28 - 125m high - close to Alnwick in Northumberland.

The company has now pulled the plug on its project, citing changes in planning policy.

The news has been welcomed by people living near the site who had opposed the scheme.

The company was working on plans for turbines on Ditchburn Farm, north of Eglingham - alongside the 18 generator RWE Innogy Middlemoor project and 10 of Blue Energy at Wandylaw.

Locals formed the Ditchburn Action Group to fight the proposals, with members believing their area has suffered enough from the perceived blight of turbines, and that the generators will impact on historic sites, the landscape and on property values.

They turned out in force to a public exhibition staged by the developer, with 100 percent of the 50 plus residents taking part in an exit poll on the first day voicing opposition.

A number of signs bearing slogans opposing the turbine scheme were put in gardens at both Eglingham and South Charlton.

John Waters who is campaigning to stop new wind turbines being built alongside existing ones near his home in EglinghamJohn Waters who is campaigning to stop new wind turbines being built alongside existing ones near his home in Eglingham

Now, in an email sent to those who attended, Brookfield has confirmed it will not be proceeding with the scheme.

An official states: “Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd (formerly PNE Wind UK) no longer intend to submit a planning application for the proposal.

“This decision has been taken following recent policy changes in planning and market support in the UK and particularly in England.”

Group member John Waters, who lives at Eglingham, said: “Obviously we are delighted that they have decided not to go ahead with the application.

“We are all delighted about it, the hundreds of supporters we had.

“I have had hundreds of emails from people saying ‘great news, well done.’

“It has been hugely costly for everybody, we have all had to put our hands in our pockets.

“Hopefully it is a message to anybody that is thinking about conjuring up a major wind farm, hopefully it will dissuade that from doing that. We have got more than enough.”