Wind farm decision overruled
Credit: www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk 24 January 2012 ~~
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Plans for ten wind turbines to be built in a town have been approved by the planning inspectorate after a council initially refused to give permission.
The proposal to erect the turbines in Langford south of Biggleswade was granted on Thursday after the Co-operative Group appealed Central Bedfordshire Council’s refusal to allow the project to go ahead was rejected.
The group claims that the wind turbines will generate enough electricity to power 11,400 homes in the area, preventing between 18,000 and 43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
Central Bedfordshire Council refused planning permission for 16 turbines in January last year as it was believed the project would harm residents’ living conditions, and the appearance and enjoyment of the countryside. However, the planning inspectorate concluded the benefits of the wind farm would outweigh any potential harm that could be caused.
Rob Ellis, sustainable development manager for The Co-operative Group, said: “We are delighted that our ten-turbine wind farm near Biggleswade can now become a reality following the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to consent to our planning application.
“We know that many people will be pleased with this decision as 88 per cent of residents say they would prefer to use renewable energy sources such as wind power and 89 per cent of residents believe that Central Bedfordshire has a role to play in helping to tackle climate change.
Councillor Ken Matthews, executive member for strategic planning at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Council is disappointed by the decision of the Inspector however we acknowledge that a lengthy and thorough public Inquiry was held to consider this appeal where all interested parties were able to put their case. On the balance of the evidence, the Inspector has found against the Council in this instance and granted planning permission subject to conditions.”
Building work on the project will begin in the near future, however a completion date has not yet been confirmed.
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