January 11, 2011
England

Power to the people as wind farm development rejected on appeal

Hull Daily Mail, www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk 11 January 2011

It has taken seven attempts, but battling East Riding residents have finally fought off plans for a wind farm development.

Planning inspectors upheld all previous wind farm appeals in the East Riding.

On each occasion, the local authority had to pay out £60,000 in legal costs, raising questions about the validity of turning down such applications by energy developers.

But for the first time in the East Riding, a planning inspector has dismissed a wind farm development on appeal.

Energie Kontor wanted to build three turbines on land at Hogsea Lane, Roos, near Withernsea.

But the proposals were rejected, with councillors saying there were already too many wind farms granted planning permission for that area.

Consent has already been given for wind farms in Roos at Sunderland Farm and Tedder Hill.

Chair of Hilston and Tunstall Residents’ Association, Jackie Cracknell said: “We are only a small group of residents so being able to achieve this is great.

“We are not against renewable energy but it has to be done in the right way.

“It has restored our faith in the planning system to some degree but I still think it needs to be looked at.”

Fellow campaigner Dr Brian Wells has also welcomed the decision.

He said: “We always felt we had a good case as there are far too many wind farms in the area. Some residents would have seen turbines wherever they turned.

“We have been fighting this for four years and always felt our case was strong.

“Wind farms are okay but it is not acceptable if they are in the wrong place.”

Council leader Councillor Stephen Parnaby is also relieved.

He said: “Finally, our perseverance has paid off but we had a good case.”

In dismissing the appeal, planning inspector Andrew Pykett said: “I have concluded that the proposal would increase the numbers of turbines and wind farms in the area to an extent where the resultant harm would outweigh the presumption in favour of such schemes.”

UK general manager at Energie Kontor Peter Harrison admitted the result is a blow.

He said: “We are obviously very disappointed by the decision and we are considering our position.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/11/power-to-the-people-as-wind-farm-development-rejected-on-appeal/