Former cricketer and crossbench peer Lord Botham has initiated a campaign, dubbed "Not One Moor," to oppose proposed wind turbine projects in several English counties. The campaign targets plans for approximately 94 wind turbines, some reaching up to 230 meters in height, which Lord Botham argues would significantly damage the landscapes of County Durham, Northumberland, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire.
Botham contends that these proposed turbines are substantially larger than those previously opposed. He cites a 1999 ruling that found 54-meter turbines would "seriously harm" areas of "high landscape value." The current proposals, according to Botham, would result in turbines four times the height of Nelson's Column, visible for dozens of miles and impacting areas historically associated with figures like the Bronte sisters.
The construction plans include new access roads and pylons, which Botham asserts would further degrade the moors. He also raises concerns about the potential impact on wildlife, particularly birds of prey, and the destruction of peatlands, which he describes as vital carbon stores. He references academic research suggesting that such turbines could lead to significant bird mortality and criticizes the RSPB for advocating an increase in onshore turbines.
"He knows how unpopular his monster turbines would be. So he has decreed they are part of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, in order to side-step local democratic planning processes," the notes state regarding Ed Miliband's alleged strategy. This classification, according to Botham, aims to bypass local planning authorities.
Beyond environmental considerations, the campaign highlights economic arguments. Botham claims that the electricity generated by these turbines is not "cheap, clean power" and points to rising electricity bills, which he attributes in part to the expense of building and connecting wind farms, as well as the need for backup power from gas stations. He suggests that imported turbines from countries like Denmark, Germany, and China further undermine the idea of homegrown energy.
Botham also addresses the financial incentives for landowners, noting that a landowner of Barningham Moor could receive a substantial annual payment per turbine. He expresses concern that if initial projects are approved, developers would seek to expand them further.
The campaign calls on Labour MPs in the affected constituencies to oppose the plans, warning of potential electoral consequences if they do not stand against what Botham terms "Miliband's madness."