Labour and Conservatives unite against 23-turbine wind farm on Yorkshire border
Two MPs from opposing political parties have joined forces to oppose plans for a major wind farm on the North Yorkshire and County Durham border.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton, and Labour MP for Bishop Auckland Dr Sam Rushworth have united in their opposition to the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm.
The development, proposed by Fred. Olsen Renewables, would see 23 turbines at least 200 metres high erected on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.
Both MPs say the damage the development could cause to the surrounding landscape and environment would outweigh the benefits of generating renewable electricity.
Their joint opposition follows a visit to the proposed site, where they met members of the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group.
The turbines would be built close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Mr Sunak said he was particularly concerned about the visual impact on Swaledale and Wensleydale, as well as the potential loss of peatland during construction.
He said: “The site lies just outside the northern boundary of the National Park but its visual impact on the landscape of Swaledale, Wensleydale and further afield will be very, very obvious.
“The route of the Coast to Coast Walk, the newest UK National Trail which I helped to establish, is just a few miles to the south. I cannot support a plan which will lead to the views from many parts of the trail – some of the most beautiful – being spoilt in this way.”
Mr Sunak also warned that the construction of turbines, access roads and associated buildings could damage peatland, which plays an important role in storing carbon and reducing flood risk.
He said: “I have supported a lot of work to protect and restore peatland. It is a unique resource of international importance locking up huge volumes of carbon and playing a significant role in water management.”
Dr Rushworth said he had reached his decision after considering the evidence and listening to people affected by the proposals.
Although he supports onshore wind as part of Britain’s energy future, the Labour MP said Hope Moor was the wrong location for such a development.
He said: “I have reached the conclusion that the costs of the Hope Moor project outweigh the benefits, and alternatives should be sought. These should include alternative locations for wind but also looking seriously at geothermal opportunities in Durham.
“I am pleased to work cross-party with my constituency neighbour, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, in making that argument and defending a landscape we all cherish.”
Dr Rushworth said onshore wind was among the cheapest forms of electricity generation and would have an important role in the country’s energy future.
However, he added: “We should also preserve our most unspoiled landscapes and protect our most nature-rich habitats.”
He called for greater consideration of geothermal energy projects in County Durham, which he said could create jobs, provide reliable electricity and reduce household bills.
The cross-party intervention has been welcomed by campaigners fighting the proposals.
Suzy Wilson, spokesperson for the action group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this cross-party support from Rishi Sunak and Sam Rushworth.
“We are committed to saving this landscape of national importance from inappropriate industrialisation. With its thriving biodiversity and carbon-locking peatland, this precious landscape is naturally helping our climate and should not be disturbed.”
She said the MPs’ opposition reinforced the campaign group’s view that the development was “absolutely the wrong development in the wrong place”.
However, the developer insists the wind farm could make an important contribution to Britain’s energy security and efforts to tackle climate change.
Euan Hutchison, UK development director at Fred. Olsen Renewables, said: “The UK cannot afford to ignore the urgent challenges of energy security and climate change.
“We believe Hope Moor can play a part in tackling both, while helping to bring down energy costs and creating a fund that would directly benefit local communities and the environment.”
He said the company recognised local concerns and was working to balance the need for renewable energy with protecting the environment.
“We’re listening carefully and working hard to develop a project that balances the need to make progress on energy security and climate change with the importance of managing the local environment and addressing the issues that matter to the community.”