Wind turbine plan thrown out

The turbines would have towered at 300-foot high

An application to build some of the UK's tallest wind turbines in Northumberland has been refused.

National Windpower had wanted to erect the 300-foot high turbines at New Moor House near Edlingham.

But planning officials at Alnwick District Council decided on Tuesday not to give the scheme the go-ahead.

The turbines were rejected because of their "visual impact" and a potential "adverse effect" on highway safety.

Driver risk

The plan to site three wind turbines at the remote site in North Northumberland had been recommended by the council planning officer.

Campaigners opposed to the scheme were concerned the structures - three times the size of the Angel of the North - would pose a distraction to drivers on the nearby A697 road.

Councillors also rejected the plans because they believed the turbines would spoil the beauty of the area.

The turbines would have generated enough electricity to power 2,400 homes.

Meanwhile, a planned windfarm near Bothel in Cumbria has been given planning permission, following a public inquiry.

Allerdale Council had originally turned down the application from National Windpower, which wants to put the turbines at Wharrels Hill.

The company says the wind farm will generate enough electricity to meet the average annual needs of about 7,500 homes.