September 28, 2012
England

Silton wind turbine inquiry: Appeal decision due ‘no later than November 19’

By Gay Pirrie-Weir | BVM News | www.thisisdorset.co.uk 28 September 2012

The public inquiry into Ecotricity’s appeal for four giant wind turbines on land at Silton ended at Sturminster Newton yesterday – with the news that the inspector, Neil Pope, would announce his decision “not later than the week of 19th November.”

This comparatively fast decision will follow four weeks of evidence spread across February, March and September.

Stroud-based renewable energy development company Ecotricity was appealing against North Dorset District Council’s refusal of the application, which was originally recommended for approval by council officers.

Also opposing the appeal were Save Our Silton, a group of local residents opposed to and affected by the plans, and the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There were also a number of individuals, all opposing the plans.

Although David Hardy, counsel for Ecotricty, repeatedly told the inquiry that the vast majority of Dorset residents were in favour of renewable energy in general and onshore wind power in particular, not one of them came to speak at the inquiry.

The inspector offered a final opportunity to the public gallery on Thursday, before final submissions by the four parties, but no-one took up the offer.

See this week’s Blackmore Vale Magazine for a report on Tuesday’s hearing. A detailed report from the final day will be published on this website later on Friday and there will be a final report in next week’s Blackmore Vale Magazine.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/28/silton-wind-turbine-inquiry-appeal-decision-due-no-later-than-november-19/