Wind farm plan would do harm to battlefield
One of Britain's top historians has expressed serious concern at plans to build a wind farm next to the Naseby battlefield.
Professor Richard Holmes, who is president of the Battlefields Trust, said he feared the seven, 377ft turbines which power company E.ON wants to build close to the Northamptonshire site could have a real negative impact.
He said: "It does seem bizarre that when you have a site of this quality and importance in an area which is so remarkable and unspoilt they could even consider doing something like this, which would have such an impact.
"I think any reasonable person would certainly not be for it."
The Battle of Naseby was one of the most important battles ever fought in England.
It happened on June 14, 1645, when Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army destroyed the forces of King Charles I.
Following the battle, Parliament led by Cromwell took control of the country, Charles I was found guilty of treason and on January 30, 1649, he was beheaded.
Prof Holmes, who has written books and presented television shows about Naseby, said: "This is one of the most important battles in English history and I think putting wind turbines right next to the battle site would certainly detract from the area.
"It would be vastly intrusive and in my opinion be a real pity if it went ahead."
During a public display held in Naseby earlier this week, E.ON confirmed it wanted to build seven turbines on land between Kelmarsh, Naseby and Haselbech, known as Tallyho Covert.
But the company said the plans to build on the land, which is part of the Kelmarsh Hall Estate, were still in their very early stages.
Documents handed out by the company to members of the public said: "E.ON is a responsible developer and we try to be a good neighbour at all our wind farms.
"We are committed to setting up a community fund worth approximately 28,000 a year for the wind farm's 20-year operational life.
"This fund will be available for supporting local projects in communities living close to the wind farm."
The company has also argued the wind farm would become a tourist attraction in its own right.
wayne.bontoft@northantsnews.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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