Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken out against plans for 23 wind turbines to be built on moorland on the edge of his constituency.
The Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton met with Dr Sam Rushworth, the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, whose constituency also includes the Hope Moor site.
The 200m (656ft) structures would have a “very obvious” visual impact for Swaledale and Wensleydale and lead to views being “spoilt”, Sunak said.
Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is seeking permission for the development in Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, previously said it would work with the local community to address concerns and find “practical solutions”.
The proposals have also received criticism from the Ministry of Defence, but the developer previously said it would generate enough renewable electricity to power about 135,000 homes while helping meet climate targets.
Sunak said the wind farm would be visible from parts of the Coast to Coast walking route, which recently became a national trail.
“I cannot support a plan which will lead to the views from many parts of the trail – some of the most beautiful – being spoilt in this way.”
