January 16, 2013
England

Council wins legal challenge against wind farm development

Northampton Chronicle & Echo | 16 January 2013 | www.northamptonchron.co.uk

A council has won a High Court battle against plans to build a wind farm next to a conservation area and several listed buildings.

South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) challenged the planning permission granted for five wind turbines on land at Spring Farm Ridge, between Helmdon and Greatworth.

The proposed development was originally refused planning permission by SNC in June 2011. The developers then lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State and in July last year a planning inspector allowed the appeal following a public inquiry.

The council claimed there were a number of flaws in the appeal decision, and succeeded in persuading the court that the inspector did not follow the law correctly.

SNC submitted its legal challenge last August and the case went to court on December 5.

Councillor Stephen Clarke, chairman of SNC’s development control committee, said: “The council understands the need for alternative energy. However, wind farms can only be supported in the right locations and be subject to the same planning tests as any other development.

“Spring Farm Ridge is an inappropriate location and the proposed development will spoil our beautiful countryside and adversely impact the local community for future generations.

“I am delighted that our course of action as the local planning authority has been vindicated. SNC will continue to support its local communities when they are threatened by inappropriate development.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/16/council-wins-legal-challenge-against-wind-farm-development/