High Court go-ahead for Carsington wind farm in landmark ruling
Controversial plans to build four 102m wind turbines at Carsington Pastures have been given the go-ahead.
A High Court Judge has today determined that proposals for the wind farm should proceed.
Pundits said the ruling could be a landmark case for the future of wind farms across Britain.
Derbyshire Dales District Council originally rejected the proposals, however, following a Public Inquiry, they were given the go ahead in September last year by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.
The district council joined forces with the Peak District National Park Authority to lodge an appeal to the High Court challenging the Secretary of State’s decision.
The authoritys believed the developers, West Coast Wind Energy failed to look at alternative sites.
The appeal was considered in the High Court by Lord Justice Carnwath who has ruled that there was not a positive obligation to consider alternative sites which may not have the same effects as the proposed development.
Leader of the district council, Lewis Rose, said: “I am very disappointed with the decision. The district council has never questioned the desirability or need to promote renewable energy sources, however, there is a clear need to undertake a balanced assessment of such proposals. Unless developers are required to consider alternative sites which may have less impact, such a balanced judgement cannot be reached”.
Councillor Hilda Gaddum, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority’s Planning Committee, added: “We made this joint appeal because it is our duty to fight threats to the national park landscape.
“We are disappointed with the judgement as we feel it is important that alternative sites are always considered first before making a decision to locate a wind farm 1.5 miles from a national park boundary.
“The authority has approved a micro hydro power site at Alport Mill, solar panels and individual wind turbines in appropriate locations within the national park and will continue to support measures to provide more renewable energy. However, applications must also continue to be judged against the need to protect the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park landscape.
“We need to spend time reading the judgement in detail to fully understand the implications for the future.”
By Julia Rodgerson
17 July 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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