Plans for a new wind turbine at an Amazon distribution centre have been rejected following concerns over its impact on the landscape.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But Durham County Council received more than 150 objections, including from neighbours concerned it would “tower over” the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Addressing concerns over the turbine’s proximity to the A688, the company said the risk of a turbine toppling was “extremely low”.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He added: “However, they have consistently said that this turbine is too big and too close to their village.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Follow BBC North East on X, external<\/a>, Facebook, external<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram, external<\/a>. <\/p>\n