‘Up to 17 miles of roads’ needed for Hope Moor Wind Farm

The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership has criticised the lack of information provided so far by Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is drawing up plans for 23 turbines, each more than 200 metres high, on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.

In its response to the developer’s scoping report, which asks what information on environmental impact should be included with a future planning application, the partnership likens the lack of details on how the scheme will be connected to the national grid and on roads which will be built on the moorland as “asking someone to house a dangerous animal without explaining the cage in which it will be kept”.

The organisation adds: “The material published thus far specifically states that there are no clear plans for how the electricity generated would be transferred to the grid.

“There would be a likely significant local impact in this and to not present plans for it as part of the scoping opinion means that the developer is asking for comment on what amounts to only part of the scheme.”

The partnership adds: “On-site, the report talks about ‘tracks’ — please refer to these structures as roads, rather than tracks — it is disingenuous to do otherwise.

“Considering the impact of similar-sized development in open moorland elsewhere, we can expect between 22km and 28km of internal
roads.

“Whilst we know the precise figure cannot be given, it is important that a realistic figure be provided early in the next phase including: total permanent track length, length of floating roads over peat, length of cut-and-fill roads and total area of permanent hardstanding.

“Only then will you be able to understand long-term impacts on landscape, hydrology and habitats associated with the internal road layout.”

The partnership also criticises the developer’s claim that the cumulative effects of the scheme would be “minimal at worst”, which it says “completely ignores the cumulative impact of wind farms along the A68 corridor”.

It adds: The additional impact of the proposed development would make it, and the current wind farms, both visible from some key locations, clearly adding to the erosion of the special quality of relative remoteness, wildness and tranquillity in those places.

“There needs to be deeper engagement on this, as the issues are not currently adequately considered.”

Fred. Olsen says it welcomes the feedback received through the scoping process.

A spokesperson added: “We will continue to work closely with the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership to ensure environmental effects, including landscape, peat, ecology and cultural heritage, are assessed thoroughly and robustly.”