January 30, 2008
Wales
Wales
A High Court judge has thrown out an attempt by wind farm protestors to stop the erection of 10 turbines near Pencader.
But, campaigners fighting plans for a wind farm at Blaengwen Farm, Alltwalis, have said they have a second legal challenge up their sleeve.
Richard Payne, a member of the Blaengwen Development Objectors Group, said they always intended to ask for a second judicial review after it became apparent their first attempt would fail.
He said: “We’re still here, still alive and kicking and we’re still fighting.”
Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee approved plans for 10 110-metre turbines in March 2007.
Jerry Sturman from Force 9 Energy, which is working jointly with a company called Catamount to build the development, said they welcomed the recent decision.
He said: “We are very pleased the judge has dismissed this claim for judicial review.
“We have always been confident that Carmarthenshire Council acted legally and properly.
“We believe that the claim was a cynical attempt to delay the development.”
He said the judge ruled that the review had no arguable case in law.
Mr Sturman added that the court did not make an order for costs, but warned a claim could be made if the matter was pursued.
“This is a particularly welcome aspect of our legal system, which serves to make those who bring spurious claims to court think long and hard. We welcome this,” he added.
Mr Payne said their first failed attempt was based on a point of planning policy – but their second judicial review will be based on human rights issues.
“The solicitors we have got dealing with it are one of the biggest in the country and they are a very good company,” he said.
“They’re very enthusiastic and we’ve been working closely with them.”
He said once vital paperwork is completed by the council, they have three months to lodge their second review.
“We still have the whole of the community behind us and we’ve done a lot of fund-raising,” he said.
Fellow protestor Kate Neil added: “It seems to be crazy to put wind energy onshore if you can harness natural power along the coast. There is also the use of rivers and they are doing these things in North Wales. To put turbines that big close to people’s homes, seems to me to be totally unreasonable.”
30 January 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/30/wind-farm-appeal-is-thrown-out/