A landscape architect has told the Environment Court in Hastings that erecting 150m high wind turbines on a range south east of Dannevirke would ruin an outstanding natural landscape.
The court is considering an appeal by Contact Energy over a decision last year by three commissioners, to decline permission for a $500,000,000 wind farm on the Puketoi Range.
Di Lucas, who gave expert evidence on behalf of opponents of the wind farm, says the range is the wrong place to put turbines.
She says the range, which has not really changed in more than 100 years, is the type of landscape used to market New Zealand to the world.
Thoroughbred horse breeder Kevin Taylor, from Kia Ora Stud, says construction of a wind farm near it could ruin the business.
Mr Taylor says horses are easily frightened by sudden noise.
He says 250 trucks going past each day could result in a serious accident to a horse.
