A CONSULTATION surrounding a controversial wind farm has been criticised for “excluding” residents who do not live within a certain distance of the site.

Despite the fact John O’Hara, from Woodham, near Newton Aycliffe , County Durham, will be able to see The Isles wind farm from his home if permission is granted for the 24-turbine development, he and his neighbours did not receive consultation questionnaires in the post.

Mr O’Hara, 65, believes energy firm E.on should contact all Newton Aycliffe residents regarding the proposal.

“This survey is unfair and flawed, as it is designed to only cover selected households in selected areas,” he said.

However, a spokeswoman from E.on said the company had fulfilled all the legal requirements for the public consultation, which runs until September 9, and publicised it in the press.

She said how the area surrounding the site, which is located 1.5km from Newton Aycliffe, was divided into an inner and outer consultation zone, with all those living in the inner zone receiving questionnaires in the post.

“For those living outside the boundary, questionnaires have been made available in libraries and other community buildings,” she said. “They were also given out at public exhibitions and all residents can ring up to request questionnaire or can download them online.”


Visit Eon-uk.com/generation or call 0800 0961199.