‘Turbines can affect air traffic equipment’

Officials say they can have an impact on air traffic control equipment depending on their size and proximity to the site.

But despite this, they are refusing to pledge their support for those against the wind turbines on a site between Hilton and Seamer, near Yarm, near Stockton.

Broadview Energy Limited wants to set up between three and eight turbines on the site.

Each wind turbine is expected to generate more than five million kilowatts a year. The initial survey by the company indicates the site has the capacity to cater for up to 8,000 homes.

But campaigners living in Seamer and Hilton are angry about the proposals and say they will fight them all the way.

Hilton Parish Council has also said it is against the scheme and recently wrote to Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) to ask for its backing.

In a letter to the airport, Geoff Cook, chairman of the council, said: "Hilton Parish Council believes the proposed wind turbine installation will cause problems for all aircraft, including helicopters and light aircraft, that fly in and out of Durham Tees Valley Airport, which is only six miles away from the proposed development."

But a spokesman for DTVA said: "Wind turbines can have an impact on air traffic control equipment depending upon their size and proximity to an airport.

Durham Tees Valley Airport is, however, happy to discuss these issues with any developer and currently reserves comment on this particular proposal until it reviews the individual details of the development."

However, despite the setback, campaigners received a boost last week when North-East environmentalist David Bellamy pledged his support to the fight.

One of the campaigners, Dr Leo Hicks, said: "He rang me at home and said he was pleased to hand support to our campaign.

"I am not sure at the moment how we are going to use him to our advantage, but if the scheme goes to a full planning application I will try and get him to the meeting."