Plans for a new wind turbine at an Amazon distribution centre, which locals said would “erode” their hamlet’s heritage, have been recommended for refusal. <\/p>\n
The multinational company is seeking planning permission to build the 410ft (125m) structure next to one of its centres in Bowburn, County Durham. <\/p>\n
Tursdale Residents Association previously said the turbine would “tower over” the landscape<\/a>.<\/p>\n Planning officers at Durham County Council have now recommended the plans are rejected, saying the turbine would affect views to and from Durham Castle and Cathedral.<\/p>\n They said the area was a World Heritage Site and the proposal would fail to “conserve, protect and enhance” it, and the turbine’s public benefits would not outweigh that harm. <\/p>\n Amazon had reduced the size of the proposed turbine from its original 459ft (140m) height during the consultation. <\/p>\n The officers also said the turbine would affect the views of residents at Cornforth Moor Farm Cottage.<\/p>\n Councillors are due to decide on the plans on Friday.<\/p>\n Amazon previously said the turbine would cut the amount of fossil fuels required to power the distribution hub and its environmental impacts would be minimal. <\/p>\n Follow BBC North East on X, external<\/a>, Facebook, external<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram, external<\/a>. <\/p>\n