The company behind plans for a large wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales says the public will still be consulted on the scheme despite a government minister rather than local councillors making a final decision.
The government has agreed to Fred. Olsen Renewables’s request that Hope Moor Wind Farm, proposed for moorland near the Stang Forest, between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, is treated as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP).
To get approval, the scheme would need a development consent order issued by the secretary of state after the plans had been reviewed by the national Planning Inspectorate.
Kelly Wyness, senior project manager for Hope Moor Wind Farm at Fred. Olsen Renewables, said: “Hope Moor Wind Farm is an opportunity to boost energy security, cut bills, and protect heritage and the environment.
“Fred. Olsen Renewables has worked with and invested in neighbouring communities since the 1990s, and the NSIP process gives us a clear consultation framework to continue that.”
Drop-in sessions are taking place for invited guests to find out more about the plans next week at Reeth Memorial Hall, Barningham Village Hall and Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall.
Around 20 wind turbines each 200m-high are being proposed for the moorland.
Access tracks, concrete foundations, a substation, transformers and underground electrical cabling also proposed, along with environmental and ecological mitigation work.
The developer says the scheme would generate more than 100MW of clean energy — enough to power 81,000 homes and businesses.
Mr Wyness said the company applied for a Section 35 direction, for the scheme to be designated a NSIP, partly because the site spans both North Yorkshire and County Durham council areas and a single application “ensures transparency and allows both councils and their communities to have their say”.
He added: “We’ll follow the NSIP process through, with community consultation on our emerging proposals starting early next year.”
“Next week’s drop-in events are the first step – an opportunity to meet community groups and political representatives and discuss how we’ll engage and consult.
“For now, we encourage anyone interested to visit our website for the latest updates and ways to stay involved.”
For more information on the plans, visit www.hopemoor.co.uk
