'Towering' wind turbine given thumbs down

Plans for a new wind turbine at an Amazon distribution centre have been rejected following concerns over its impact on the landscape.

The technology giant had applied to build the 410ft (125m) structure next to one of its centres in Bowburn, County Durham, as part of plans to make it largely self-sufficient in its electricity needs.

But Durham County Council received more than 150 objections, including from neighbours concerned it would "tower over" the surrounding landscape.

Its planning committee has now refused the application, backing officers' concerns it would impact on views of Durham Castle and Cathedral, and the living conditions of nearby residents.

Planning officers also warned it was not far away enough from the A688 to be safe when assessed against its potential topple distance, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A report also said the turbine's "height, scale, siting, movement and visual prominence" would harm the outstanding universal value, significance and setting of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.

Amazon said the turbine, alongside solar panels already approved for the warehouse roof, would reduce reliance on the National Grid, improve energy security and support decarbonisation while reinforcing its long-term investment in the area.

Addressing concerns over the turbine's proximity to the A688, the company said the risk of a turbine toppling was "extremely low".

County councillor for Bowburn and Coxhoe Gary Hutchinson said many local residents supported renewable energy and appreciated what Amazon had brought to the local economy.

He added: "However, they have consistently said that this turbine is too big and too close to their village.

"They are concerned about its height, its dominance over the landscape and whether this is simply the right place for a structure of this scale."

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