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Sunak and Rushworth unite against 23-turbine Yorkshire wind farm

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 11:42 · Archive

Rishi Sunak and Labour MP Sam Rushworth have joined forces to oppose Fred. Olsen Renewables' proposed 23-turbine Hope Moor Wind Farm in North Yorkshire.

Rishi Sunak and Labour MP Sam Rushworth have united in opposing the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm, which would see 23 turbines at least 200 metres high erected on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale on the North Yorkshire and County Durham border. The development is proposed by Fred. Olsen Renewables.

Both MPs say the damage the development could cause to the surrounding landscape and environment would outweigh the benefits of generating renewable electricity. The turbines would be built close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Their joint opposition follows a visit to the proposed site, where they met members of the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group. Mr Sunak said he was particularly concerned about the visual impact on Swaledale and Wensleydale. He noted that 'the site lies just outside the northern boundary of the National Park but its visual impact on the landscape of Swaledale, Wensleydale and further afield will be very, very obvious'.

Sunak also highlighted the proximity of the Coast to Coast Walk, a UK National Trail established with his involvement. 'The route of the Coast to Coast Walk, the newest UK National Trail which I helped to establish, is just a few miles to the south,' he said. '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.'

Mr Sunak warned that the construction of turbines, access roads and associated buildings could damage peatland, which plays an important role in storing carbon and reducing flood risk. The Darlington & Stockton Times has launched its own campaign against the scheme, called Save Hope Moor.

Sunak and Rushworth unite against 23-turbine Yorkshire wind farm
Image: TeessideLive

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How it is being reported

In this story: Rishi Sunak · Sam Rushworth · Fred. Olsen Renewables · Yorkshire Dales National Park · North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty · Swaledale · Wensleydale · Teesdale

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log