November 29, 2012
England

Berkeley Vale wind turbine appeal fails

BBC News | 29 November 2012 | www.bbc.co.uk

An appeal to build a wind farm in Gloucestershire has been turned down by the planning inspector.

Stroud-based firm Ecotricity wanted to build four 120m (394ft) high wind turbines in the Vale of Berkeley.

The application was turned down by Stroud District Council in April because of its potential impact on the environment.

Ecotricity said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the ruling and believed it was the “wrong decision”.

A spokesman said: “We still believe Berkeley Vale is absolutely an appropriate place for four windmills and we were confident that our plans satisfied all conditions and constraints.

“We think it is the wrong decision and a blow to renewable energy in Gloucestershire.”

Campaigners from Save Berkeley Vale had raised concerns over how the turbines would affect the environment.

Head of planning at the council, Phil Skill, said: “In this case the inspector’s come down in favour of the Cotswold AONB [Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty] and the effect the wind turbines would have on the setting of the AONB.

“I think he was also concerned about the conservation areas and Berkeley Castle.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/29/berkeley-vale-wind-turbine-appeal-fails/