Dales wind farm would 'spoil' view, says former PM

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken out against plans for 23 wind turbines to be built on moorland on the edge of his constituency.

The Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton met with Dr Sam Rushworth, the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, whose constituency also includes the Hope Moor site.

The 200m (656ft) structures would have a "very obvious" visual impact for Swaledale and Wensleydale and lead to views being "spoilt", Sunak said.

Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is seeking permission for the development in Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, previously said it would work with the local community to address concerns and find "practical solutions".

The proposals have also received criticism from the Ministry of Defence, but the developer previously said it would generate enough renewable electricity to power about 135,000 homes while helping meet climate targets.

Sunak said the wind farm would be visible from parts of the Coast to Coast walking route, which recently became a national trail.

"I cannot support a plan which will lead to the views from many parts of the trail - some of the most beautiful - being spoilt in this way."

He also expressed concern about the impact on the area's peatland from building the turbines, service roads and associated buildings.

"[Peat] is a unique resource of international importance locking up huge volumes of carbon and playing a significant role in water management," he said.

"Healthy peat acts as a natural sponge, absorbing water to reduce flood risk to communities in the lowlands."

Fellow MP Rushworth said the impact of the turbines and associated infrastructure, including access roads and connections to the national grid, would be too great on the community.

He said he had considered the need to cut carbon emissions and secure cheaper energy but said the project outweighed the benefits and alternatives should be sought.

He said that while in the future, people could "become used to turbines forming part of our countryside as viaducts and brick chimneys have for centuries", it was also important to "preserve our most unspoiled landscapes and protect our most nature-rich habitats".

Suzy Wilson, from the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, said she was "delighted" to receive support from the two MPs.

"We are committed to saving this landscape of national importance from inappropriate industrialisation," she said.

"With its thriving biodiversity and carbon-locking peatland, this precious landscape is naturally helping our climate and should not be disturbed."

Euan Hutchison, UK development director at Fred. Olsen Renewables, said Hope Moor could help in reducing reliance on imported energy and deliver a more secure and affordable energy system.

He encouraged residents, businesses and community groups to submit feedback as plans for the development continue to be refined.

A decision on whether the development will go ahead will eventually be decided by the Secretary of State for Energy.

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