To: The Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero,
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP for Richmond & Northallerton,
Mr Sam Rushworth MP for Bishop Auckland,
Durham County Council Senior Planning Officer,
North Yorkshire County Council Senior Planning Officer,
CEO of Fred. Olsen Renewables.
Dear Sirs,
HOPE MOOR WIND FARM – SECTION 35 DIRECTION
We the undersigned respectfully request that the above Direction be rescinded and planning for the Hope Moor Wind Farm be ceased with immediate effect for the following reasons:
- There is no local need for this development and certainly no need for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project in this inaccessible wildlife haven.
- A similar application on Barningham High Moor was refused in 1997 and the appeal dismissed in a landmark decision by the Planning Inspector in 1998. None of the reasons for rejection have altered in the intervening period and the site is completely unsuitable for an industrialised development of this size and nature.
- The site sits on the boundaries of the Yorkshire National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and such a development would ruin the skyline and landscape for the nation.
- The development would have a massive negative impact on the carbon rich restored deep peatland, the water courses and wildlife.
- There are currently 24 species of bird on the Red conservation list and 34 species on the Yellow conservation list and these should be afforded protection in line with historic statutory protection.
- The development would impact upon important heritage sites such as Egglestone Abbey, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle and Bowes Castle and the important Neolithic rock carvings on Barningham Moor.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
Yours faithfully,
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