Residents objects to Amazon's plans for wind turbine in Durham

Amazon has applied for planning permission to install a 140-metre-high wind turbine next to its large storage and distribution centre in Bowburn, County Durham. 

The company says the turbine would “generate electricity from a renewable energy source to directly support the ongoing operation of the centre and thus alleviate reliance on power generated from the combustion of fossil fuels moving forward”.

Set to be located to the south of the existing facility close to HGV loading bays, Amazon said the site was selected as the best option for maximum energy generation following extensive testing and research.

Where the new wind turbine could be built, at Amazon's Bowburn centre. (Image: Google)

Yet, residents say the proposal is “deeply flawed” and poses “numerous, serious concerns for our community”. 

A statement from Tursdale Residents Association in response to the application reads: “The proposed turbine would tower over the landscape, nearly seven times the height of the Amazon building and over twice the height of Durham Cathedral. Although the site is now described in the proposal as ‘industrialised’, Tursdale was historically a rural hamlet, and we feel our heritage and quality of life are being quickly eroded.”

Neighbours also fear they have been overlooked and disregarded during the consultation process. 

“Despite being the closest residential settlement to the proposed site, Tursdale has been entirely excluded from visual and environmental impact assessments,” the statement added. 

“Our prior experience with the Amazon development has left many in the community disillusioned. Despite assurances at that time, our concerns were realised almost exactly as feared. We are not confident that promises made now regarding this turbine will be honoured. A promise was made that all residents of Tursdale would receive fast fibre broadband, however, this promise remains empty.

“We urge the planning authority to reject this application and to protect the rights, health, and heritage of the Tursdale community.”

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Croxdale and Hett Parish Council also objected to the proposal. 

Despite the concerns, Amazon said it launched a public consultation in July 2024 and delivered leaflets to 5,251 nearby homes. “Public consultation materials also included an email address and freephone telephone number for residents to contact with any queries,” the company added. 

Outlining the benefits of the proposal, Amazon said: “Overall, the environmental impacts of the proposed development are considered to be minimal, with any adverse impacts being either fully avoided, or where this is not possible, minimised through careful site design and through the implementation of mitigation measures.”