May 10, 2013
England

Batsworthy Cross wind farm legal challenge thrown out by High Court

North Devon Journal | May 10, 2013 | www.northdevonjournal.co.uk

A legal challenge launched against a nine-turbine wind farm to be located in North Devon has been thrown out by the High Court.

The application for the turbines at Batsworthy Cross was approved in October last year, six years after it was submitted by developers RWE Npower Renewables.

But a member of Two Moors Campaign lodged an appeal against the decision with has now been thrown out by the High Court judge.

Lewis Elder, RWE Npower Renewables’ developer said: “We are delighted that the legal challenge against the planning approval for RWE npower renewable’s Batsworthy Cross wind farm, located near South Molton, has been rejected by the High Court. Consequently, the planning permission remains in place.

“The legal challenge to the planning permission was raised by a local resident, but the challenge was comprehensively rejected by the judge.

“Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm was granted planning permission in October 2012 by a planning inspector following a comprehensive public inquiry. This most recent decision once again emphasises that Batsworthy Cross is a well-designed wind farm and has proved its merit at every opportunity.

“The wind farm will have an installed capacity of up to 18MW and generate enough clean energy to meet the average annual needs of the equivalent of approximately 8,700 homes.

“As well as a community benefits scheme of up to £450,000 for the local area over the lifetime of the project, the wind farm could also create economic benefits for the area, with local suppliers and contractors with appropriate skill well placed to tender for contracts.

“We will now be liaising closely with the local authorities to co-ordinate the discharge of planning conditions in preparation of the construction of the wind farm. We will continue to keep the local community informed as we progress.”

The turbines will stand at 103 metres tall and will produce up to 18 megawatss, or enough power to supply 8,700 homes.

The application was initially rejected by North Devon Council but this was overturned following an appeal by the developers.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/10/batsworthy-cross-wind-farm-legal-challenge-thrown-out-by-high-court/