Lord Botham criticises Hope Moor wind farm proposals

Lord Botham, who lives near Richmond, is backing a campaign to stop the Hope Moor Wind Farm, which would see 23 turbines at least 200m high installed on land between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.

The former England cricketer has also launched his own campaign to oppose proposals for Hope Moor and three other sites across the North of England.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he criticised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for his support of wind energy, claiming that there would be “resounding cheers across the North of England” if Andy Burnham did not include the MP in his cabinet if he became Prime Minister.

Lord Botham said: “Miliband is planning to destroy the gorgeous countryside of four counties here in the North with 94 monster wind turbines.”

He added: “These unbelievably huge contraptions – up to 230 metres tall – would be placed on top of hills around County Durham’s stunning Barningham Moor; wild and desolate Ray Fell in Northumberland; rugged Scout Moor in Lancashire; and Walshaw Moor in West Yorkshire – long associated with the Bronte sisters.

“They would be visible for dozens of miles, ruining the landscape over much of the North.

“On top of that, new access roads would cut through the moors along with miles of pylons as the power would be generated where it is not needed.”

The peer said the landscapes were “part of the wealth of the North”, adding: “Walk through the breathtaking beauty of places like Barningham Moor and, whatever kind of day you are having, life is transformed.”

Claiming the proposed wind farms would damage both the environment and the local economy, as well as threaten bird species and disturb areas of peatland, the former cricketer has launched his own “Not One Moor” campaign to oppose the developments.

“We will concede nothing and fight everything,” he added.

In the column Lord Botham called on Northern Labour MPs including  Sam Rushworth, who represents Bishop Auckland and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy to fight against what he called “monuments to Miliband’s madness”.

The comments have been welcomed by members of the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, which was launched to fight the Hope Moor development.

Suzy Wilson, chair of the group, said: “It is almost exactly 45 years since he led England to that amazing Ashes victory at Headingley against overwhelming odds, and we know that he will demonstrate the same fighting spirit against the planned development of Hope Moor Wind Farm.

“He found it incredulous that the wind farm would be so close to the national park and would blight vast swathes of precious landscape and impact upon the Coast to Coast and Pennine Way footpaths.

“We wish him well in his campaign in Westminster and we will continue to work at a grassroots level to raise awareness and build up support to campaign against the industrialisation of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.”

Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is behind the Hope Moor plans, has said it recognised the proposed wind farm had generated a range of opinions, with some people supporting its contribution to renewable energy, local benefits and energy security, while others raised concerns.

Project leaders say the proposal is undergoing a full environmental impact assessment covering issues such as peat, birdlife, flood risk, landscape and construction impacts, with the findings subject to independent scrutiny.