Villagers get chance to learn more about £8m wind farm

A public exhibition on the proposed Broom Hill windfarm will be held on Wednesday at Stanley Crook Village Hall.

Many residents in the village, and those in nearby Sunniside, are against the plans for four turbines on the hilltops above their homes.

The scheme was unveiled by EDF Energy in January and now, having completed an Environmental Impact Assessment and applied for planning permission, the exhibition has been organised as part of the process.

EDF Energy staff will be on hand to answer questions.

EDF Energy's wind development project manager Tony Scorer said the event was a chance for people to find out details about the scheme.

He said: "What is important is that people come along and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project.

"Any questions and concerns that people have can be discussed at the exhibition."

The four turbines, each standing 102m high, will be capable of supplying power to 6,410 homes, and it is estimated that the turbines would save about 22,601 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

However, less than two years ago, a similar scheme was blocked after residents complained it would be detrimental to their quality of life.

Although those behind the bid say that the concerns have been taken into account, the residents claim that the turbines would still affect the view from their homes, create extra noise and see house prices drop.

Caroline Robinson, who lives in Sunniside, said she would visit the exhibition to put her views across.

She said that there were already more than enough wind farms in the area, and the Broom Hill development would affect the many equestrians who live and ride near the proposed site.

She said: "This application is basically the same as the original one which was turned down - but instead of two turbines, there are four.

"They are too big, too close and not necessary."

The exhibition takes place between 1pm and 7pm.