Public consultations are now underway for a major campaign opposing plans for a wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
The proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm would see 23 turbines, each measuring up to 200 metres high, built on moorland between Richmond and Teesdale, south of Stang Forest.
The plans have been put forward by Norwegian company Fred Olsen Renewables.
A campaign group opposing the development, HOPE Moor, has raised concerns about the visual impact of the turbines on the surrounding landscape, including views from within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Former Prime Minister and Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak has also spoken out against the proposal, describing it as a threat to a “nationally-important landscape”.
He said the turbines would be clearly visible from areas including Swaledale and Wensleydale, as well as sections of the recently designated Coast to Coast National Trail.
Mr Sunak said:
“The application site lies just outside the northern boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park but its visual impact on the landscape of Swaledale, Wensleydale and further afield will be very, very obvious.
“We have just opened the Coast to Coast Walk as one of the UK’s National Trails – a celebration of what makes this part of the world so special.
"After more than 10 years of campaigning for that to happen, 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.”
He also raised concerns about the impact on peatland in the area, which he said plays an important role in carbon storage and flood prevention.
Mr Sunak added:
“I have seen wonderful work in our area to protect and restore peatland.
"It is a unique resource, locking up huge volumes of carbon and playing an increasingly important role in water management.
"Healthy peat acts as a natural sponge, absorbing water to reduce flood risk to communities in the lowlands.”
Campaigners have also pointed to a previous application for wind turbines on the same moorland, which was rejected in the High Court in 1999.
At the time, a planning inspector concluded that the “special character” of the area and its “high landscape value” would “be seriously harmed”.
The first stage of the public consultation on the proposed development is now open and runs until 30th June.
Residents can share their views online via the consultation website or by completing a paper feedback form and returning it by post.
Consultation events are also due to take place in Newsham, Reeth and Richmond during May and June.
More information about the proposals and consultation process can be found on the HOPE Moor campaign website.
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