Northumberland (Green Rigg / Ray / Steadings) Windfarms Public Inquiry - News

23 July 2008 - Ministry of Defence case to be continued

The case in respect of Threat Radar for the Ministry of Defence has not been completed within the time originally programmed.  Subject to the availability of lawyers and witnesses, consideration is now being given for two or three extra Inquiry days in September 2008 to complete the case.  Two Ministry of Defence witnesses and one from AMEC Project Investments (Ray Estate windfarm) have yet to be heard.

An updated programme has been issued today.

11 July 2008 - Ministry of Defence Rebuttal Proofs published 

Rebuttal proofs produced by the Ministry of Defence witnesses may be viewed here.  The two rebuttal proofs, highlighted in yellow, are MOD/4/2 and MOD/5/3.

Inquiry re-convenes at 10.00am next Tuesday 15th July.

09 July 2008 - Inquiry Programme with revised Week 14 issued 

Because of the unavailability of two witnesses next weeks, the Inquiry Programme has been adjusted next week with revised timings.  Click here to view/download.

04 July 2008 - Threat Radar Evidence, Programme & Green Rigg SEI

1. The proofs and reports received from all the developers in relation to the Threat Radar evidence produced by the Ministry of Defence are now on the website and may be accessed directly from this page.  Otherwise go to specific proposed windfarm proof/documents list page.  (Note that the files marked with an asterisk below are over 7MB in size)

Steadings - SWFL/12 (Proof - Assessment Report) plus additional documents SWFL/12a, SWFL/12b* and SWFL/12c*  (Note: Appendix H to SWFL/12 is a separate file)

AMEC - AMEC/8/4 (Proof) and AMEC/10/5 (Proof - QinetiQ Report)

Green Rigg - WPD/8/1 (Summary Proof) and WPD/8/2 (Proof) 

2. Ministry of Defence Threat Radar proofs - MOD/1/5; MOD/4/1; MOD/5/1 & MOD/5/2.  Other related documents: MOD/3/8 to MOD/3/11

3. A revised programme has been published which covers Inquiry Week 14 (15th to 18th July).  Click here to view/download.

4. Further to News Item below (25 June), all the volumes for the Green Rigg Supplementary Environmental Information are now published on this website.

25 June 2008 - Green Rigg Supplementary Environmental Information

The further information formally requested by the Inspector (see Inquiry Document X/18) from Wind Prospect Developments regarding turbine connection to the grid and a cumulative landscape assessment taking into account Amec Ray Estate and the Steadings wind farm proposals has now been received.  Click here to view a copy of the Supplementary Environmental Information (WPD/0/16) from the Wind Prospect webpage.  (Please note that Volumes 2 and 3 have yet to be published on this website.)

In relation to Threat Radar issues, the evidence to be produced by Steadings is now available to be  viewed from the  Steadings webpage (SWFL/12).

24 June 2008 - Latest Programme published

Following the successful completion of the programme last week covering the first phase of the Ministry of Defence evidence to the Inquiry (held in the Council Chamber at Hexham), proofs of evidence are now due from the developers on the question of the Ministry's objection concerning the Threat Radar issue.  These will be published on the website shortly after they are received.  (Note: Wind Prospect proof received today - see WPD webpage).

The latest programme is available by clicking here {programme}, but this will be revised as soon as possible for the next Inquiry week (15th to 18th July).  Inquiry will resume at the Britannia Newcastle Airport Hotel on Tuesday 15th July.

04 June 2008 - Further change to order of NATS witnesses

As a result of the revised programme this week for the NATS, Anne Isaac will now be called before Doug Maclean.  Click here to view latest programme which shows the estimated time periods for each witness.

03 June 2008 - Update to Programme published

It is now hoped to complete the whole of the NERL (NATS) case this week with the Newcastle International Airport case being moved from Thursday 5^th June to Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11^th June allowing NATS witnesses to appear on Thursday following availability changes.

28 May 2008 - Week 11 - Change in running order of NATS witnesses 

The Inquiry re-convenes next Tuesday 3rd June at 10.00am (subsequent days for Week 11 are likely to start at 9.30am).  NATS (En Route) has revised the running order of its witnesses.  Order now is Jason Strong, Mark Asquith, Doug Maclean and Anne Issac.  Click here to view the latest programme.

Latest Document List issued today - click here to view - and two new documents added by NATS (En Route) Plc.

12 May 2008 - "Threat Radar" Proofs from Developers 

The Inspector has asked for the proofs from the Applicants/Appellants in respect of the "Threat Radar" issue raised by the Ministry of Defence to be submitted to the Inquiry by 20th June 2008.  The issue is due to be heard during the week beginning Tuesday 15th July 2008 (Week 14).

2 May 2008 - Inquiry re-convenes at 2pm next Tuesday 

The Inquiry re-convenes next Tuesday 6th May at 2.00pm.  The latest version of the Inquiry Documents list has been issued today - click here to view.

24 April 2008 - County Council withdraws objections to Ray Windfarm 

Northumberland County Council has withdrawn is objections to AMEC's revised scheme of 16 Wind Turbines at land at Ray Fell.  Click here to view letter.

23 April 2008 - Inspector's visits - Aviation 

The Inspector's visits to Prestwick ATC, Newcastle International Airport and RAF Spadeadam are being held this week.  Details of those attending and the itinerary for Spadeadam have been issued as Inquiry Document X/23.

17 April 2008 - Updated Weeks 12 and 15 in latest Programme 

Review of programme for Weeks 12 and 15 completed (see News Items 26 March to 10 April below).  Availability of some parties on specific days in Week 15 still provisional.  Click "Inquiry Programme" in left-hand column to access the latest programme.

10 April 2008 -  Further Programme issued 

Dates for Weeks 13 to 17 announced; new venue for one week only at the Council Chamber at Hexham; and  Ministry of Defence case to be heard during Weeks 13 and 14.  Week 12 and new Week 15 under review with cases previously programmed for Week 14. The inquiry programme now runs to 17 weeks.  [Click here if you wish to view the archived 10th April programme]

4 April 2008 -  Programme issued on 26 March altered 

Alterations have been made to the programme issued on 26th March in respect of Week 10 and Week 12.  Week 12 will need a comprehensive review, which will affect the programme of Week 14 as the aim will to bring forward some of the cases that week.

26 March 2008 -  Revised Inquiry Programme issued

A new revised programme has been issued today.  This programme takes into account the time already taken to consider the Aviation topic (and earlier topics) and reflects the extra time now needed to complete the Aviation issue.  The inquiry programme now runs to 16 weeks. Click "Inquiry Programme" in left-hand column to access the updated programme.

25 March 2008 -  Inquiry adjourned until May.  Inspector to undertake accompanied Aviation site visits during April adjournment.

Inquiry adjourned on Thursday March 20th for six weeks.  It will re-convene at 2pm on Tuesday May 6th.  During this period, the Inspector will make accompanied visits to Prestwick Control Centre, Newcastle International Airport and RAF Spadeadam.

29 February 2008 -  Extra Inquiry dates in March cancelled

Owing to the unavailability of some parties, the two extra days scheduled for the Aviation topic - 13th and 14th March - have been withdrawn from the Inquiry Programme.  These will revert to non-sitting days.

15 February 2008 -  Extra Inquiry dates in March

The Inquiry will now sit on two previously non-sitting days in March - Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March 2008 - to hear evidence on the Aviation topic. 

15 February 2008 -  AMEC WITHDRAW FOUR TURBINES

Click here to read statement issued at close of business on Friday 15th February. 

11 February 2008 -  Aviation Rebuttals - Revised Date

Following representations, the Inspector has extended the date for receipt of Aviation rebuttals to no later than 12.00 on Wednesday 20^th February 2008.

5 February 2008 -  Aviation Rebuttal Proofs and Programme 

As confirmed by the Inspector at the Inquiry last Thursday, any Rebuttal Proofs of Evidence being prepared on the Aviation topic should be submitted by Friday 15th February 2008.  The initial draft of the programme to hear the Aviation evidence in March has now been issued.

4 February 2008 -  Inquiry Documents updated

The pages listing the Inquiry Documents are being updated over this Inquiry non-sitting week.  The Document List (X/11) used at the Inquiry is available to be viewed/downloaded here.

29 January 2008 -  Inspector’s Ruling published

Following submissions by Tynedale District Council, the Inspector has decided not to exercise his discretion to adjourn the Inquiry.  A copy of the full ruling may be viewed here.

25 January 2008 -  Revised Outline Inquiry Programme Published

 Click here to view the Programme Page

Please note that all programmes are subject to change.

15 January 2008 -  The Inquiry Opened

7 January 2008 -  Outline Weekly Inquiry Programme Published

Details of the Inquiry Programme for Weeks 1 to 9 have been published today. 

Please note that all programmes are subject to change.  

Already Version 2 this afternoon has replaced Version 1 issued this morning, particularly concerning last three Inquiry days in April.

21 December 2007 -  Procedural Meeting

A Procedural Meeting was held yesterday:-

17 December 2007 -  Outline Timetable Published

The first edition of the Outline Inquiry Timetable has been published today.  Click here to view to view the latest version. 

A more detailed weekly programme will be published in the New Year.

14 December 2007 -  Rebuttal/Supplementary Proofs - New date

The date for the submission of rebuttal proofs and any supplementary proofs has been changed.  The new date for submission is now WEDNESDAY 2nd JANUARY 2008.

11 December 2007 - Proofs/Statements now available to view 

A large number of the Written Statements, Proofs of Evidence and associated documents received to date are now to view and download. To view the various lists, please go to the  Inquiry Documents page.  Further proofs/statements will be added over the next few days.

If you wish to find a particular party quickly from the following sections, please click Alphabetical Index

5 December 2007 - Written Statements and Proofs of Evidence 

Written Statements, Proofs of Evidence and associated documents received to date are now listed on the website.  Copies of the documents will be available to view shortly when certain proofs yet to be received in the Inquiry Secretariat from some parties are received. To view the various lists, please go to the  Inquiry Documents page.

If you wish to find a particular party quickly from the following sections, please click Alphabetical Index

29 November 2007 - First issue of Core Documents List 

The Core Documents List has been published today and can be viewed/downloaded in either Adobe pdf or Microsoft Word - go to Inquiry Documents page.

This is the first issue, although there are still some document web links still to be added.  This will be done as quickly as possible.

23 November 2007 - Submission of Aviation Documents - Dates Set

Following the Secretary of State's decision that the Inquiry should open on 15th January (see below), the Inspector has set the timetable for the submission of Aviation documents, as follows:

Aviation Statements of Common Ground – to be submitted by Friday 14^th December 2007. Aviation Proofs of Evidence – to be submitted by Friday 11^th January 2008.

21 November 2007 - Secretary of State's decision on postponement requests announced

The Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has agreed with the Inspector's recommendation that the requests for a postponement of the start of the Inquiry should be declined.  The Public Inquiry will therefore open on its scheduled date of Tuesday 15th January 2008 at 10.00am.

Copies of the Secretary of State's decision letter, the Inspector's Report on postponement requests and its consultation report may be viewed from the General Inquiry Documents page - Inquiry document numbers X/12(a), (b) and (c).

16 November 2007 - Draft Statements of Common Ground removed from website

Because of the confusion caused by the publication last Tuesday of the "work-in-progress" drafts of the Statements of Common Ground, they have been withdrawn from the website.

When the Statements have been agreed and signed off by the parties, copies will be made available on the website.

13 November 2007 - Draft Statements of Common Ground published

"Work-in-progress" drafts of the Statements of Common Ground have been submitted to the Inspector.  Links to these may be made from the General Inquiry Documents page. (Drafts withdrawn from website - see 16 November diary entry.)

13 November 2007 - Steadings SEI - Consultation Responses

Responses received by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform during the consultation on the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI), published by Banks Developments in September for the Steadings Windfarm proposal, may be viewed here.

1 November 2007 - Inspector submits report on postponement requests

Inspector submits report and recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on requests for postponement of start of Inquiry.

This will be published on this website with the decision of the Secretaries of State as soon as the decision is received. (Update 9 November 2007: no decision received yet)

29 October 2007 - Formal Requests for Postponement

Inspector consults on requests for postponement of start of Inquiry.  The Programme Officer has written on the Inspector's behalf, as follows:

"Dear Inquiry Participant

I am writing to seek your comments on two formal requests which have been made for the start of the above-named public inquiry (due to open on 15^th January 2008) to be postponed.  These requests have been made by the solicitors acting for the applicants for the proposed windfarms at Ray and Steadings to allow more time for consideration of the objections from the Ministry of Defence.  I attach a PDF file containing the formal requests and their further comments requested by the Inspector following receipt of the MoD’s Statement of Case last Monday.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CORRESPONDENCE

I shall be grateful if you would let me have your views and comments on the requests for postponement by no later than 6.00 pm this Wednesday 31^st October in order for the Inspector to complete his consideration of these requests and make recommendations to the Secretaries of State.

In the meantime, the timetable set by the Inspector at the pre-inquiry meeting still stands.  The Statements of Common Ground (at least working drafts) are still expected by Monday 5^th November, except those relating specifically to aviation issues."

All comments to Programme Officer by Wednesday 6.00 pm

16 October 2007 - Reminder of Document Submission Timetable

Now that Statements of Case have been submitted, here is a reminder of the next stages in the Inspector's Document Submission timetable:

Statements of Common Ground:   5^th November 2007  (Aviation SOCG may be submitted later)

Proofs of Evidence and Written Statements:   3^rd December 2007**

Rebuttal proofs/supplementary proofs:   20^th December 2007 

**Date for the submission of proofs on the Aviation topic is still to be set.  Proofs on landscaping should be submitted by 3^rd December 2007, although some slippage may be granted (to no later than 10^th December 2007) but only with the Inspector's agreement.

10 October 2007 - Statements of Case published

Statements of Case due by Monday 15 October - first one arrives - click here for list

5 October 2007 - Note of Pre-Inquiry Meeting published

The Note of the Pre-Inquiry Meeting held on 17 September in Hexham has been published today - click here to view.

A Guidance Note on the Referencing of Documents has also been issued. Click here to view.

24 September 2007 - Document Submission Timetable published

Dates set at the Pre-Inquiry Meeting for submission of Statements and Proofs have been published - click here to view.  Note of Pre-Inquiry Meeting will be published shortly.

17 September 2007 - Pre-Inquiry Meeting held

Pre-Inquiry Meeting held today at Tynedale Functions and Conferencing, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG at 2:00 pm.

14 September 2007 - Outline Statements published

Outline Statements are now available online - click here to visit the Outline Statements page

10 September 2007 - Pre-Inquiry Meeting date and Agenda

The Programme Officer, Mr Roger Claxton, wrote to all interested parties to introduce himself and announce the date and time of the forthcoming Pre-Inquiry Meeting (PIM).

The PIM will be held on Monday 17th September 2007 at 2.00pm in the Tynedale Functions & Conferencing, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG.  A copy of the Agenda which was enclosed with the letter may be viewed here.

30 August 2007 - Website under construction

Website for this Inquiry first set-up