A COMPANY has hit back at claims that it is not giving the public information about its plans for a windfarm.

EDF Energy wants to build an offshore windfarm half a mile off Coatham Sands, Redcar, east Cleveland, with 30 400ft turbines capable of generating enough energy to power 72,000 homes.

A campaign was launched by Redcar MP Vera Baird and local residents after concerns were raised about the visual impact of the development, as well as noise pollution and the potential impact on seal and bird colonies, shipping and extreme sports.

Ms Baird said she was outraged to receive a letter from the developers that said she would have to pay £250 for an Environmental Impact Assessment of the windfarm.

She said: "It is an obvious attempt to stifle scrutiny.

"They have never presented a pictorial view of what 30 turbines, each one higher than Big Ben, will do to our sea-scape."

But a spokesman for EDF Energy said the request for £250 was an error and apologised.

He said: "Our comprehensive Environmental Statement on the project is publicly available from seven locations in the area.

"We held a series of public exhibitions and meetings, attended by more than 300 people.

"We also took 90 residents to see windfarms in person and we would be willing to conduct further visits if there is demand."

The report can be viewed at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council offices at South Bank and Guisborough, Hartlepool Borough Council's Civic Centre, Hartlepool Headland Town Council offices, Middlesbrough Council's Vancouver House, Redcar Central Library, Seaten Carew Library and Hartlepool Central Library.