October 21, 2012
England

£100k cost of farm challenge

Bedfordshire on sunday | 21/10/2012 | www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk

Challenging a government inspector’s decision to allow a controversial wind farm could cost taxpayers up to £100,000.

An appeal being submitted to the High Court by Bedford Borough Council over a planning inspector’s decision to allow three wind turbines in Podington could cost the taxpayer at least £30k. But this could be trebled if more hearings need to take place.

Revised plans for the turbines at Airfield Farm were submitted by Nuon Renewables in 2008 but were rejected by the council leading to a planning inspectorate inquiry two years later.

The authority will now apply for a judicial review asking for the decision to be rejected.

Member of the planning committee, Cllr Will Hunt, who says he didn’t agree to the legal challenge, said: “We’re very concerned about the cost of the appeal and are happy to leave the inspector’s decision as it is.” A spokesman for the council said: “The decision to reject planning permission was taken by the planning committee as it believed the turbines will be conspicuous and harmful in the rural landscape.

“It is our view that the inspector’s decision was flawed for a number of legal reasons. If successful, we will seek to recover all the costs incurred.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/21/100k-cost-of-farm-challenge/