Npower wind farm probe begins

A LANDMARK test case on the development of onshore wind farms kicked off today, ranging energy giant npower against environmentalists, local communities and the Conservative leader Michael Howard.

German-owned npower is planning the South East's largest onshore wind farm on Romney Marsh in Kent. The company wants to construct at a cost of £50m 26 wind turbines standing twice as tall as Nelson's Column. They are capable of producing up to 78 megawatts of electricity, accounting for 75% of the annual electricity needs of homes in Shepway District Council's area.

But in addition to claims that the wind turbines will spoil what is an evocative and romantic landscape, as well as endangering several rare species of birds in the area, locals are opposing the plans claiming that the Department of Trade and Industry has a conflict of interest.

The final say on the plan after the inquiry at Lydd Airport will go to Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt, whose department is charged with ensuring that Britain hits a target of generating 10% of electricity from green sources by 2010.

'It is absurd that companies promoting mega-size onshore wind farms have their application determinedby the DTI,' said Philip Merricks who runs a nearby bird reserve. Howard accused the Government of 'walking over, not winning over' communities affected. A spokesman for npower said: 'This development would make a significant contribution to hitting the Government targets for renewable energy.'