September 23, 2013
England

Appeal against Buckinghamshire wind farm’s rejection

BBC News | 22 September 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

The company behinds plans for a Buckinghamshire wind farm, which were thrown out by councillors, is to appeal against the decision.

In March Aylesbury Vale District Council refused plans by Force 9 Energy to erect four 125m high wind turbines at Dorcas Lane, Stoke Hammond.

It said there would be a negative impact on the landscape.

Force 9 Energy has decided to appeal to the planning inspectorate. A public inquiry will now take place.

David Butterworth, of Force 9 Energy, said: “Dorcas Lane Wind Farm is a sustainable development proposal that accords with government policies to increase home grown, secure renewable energy generation and to reduce harmful carbon emissions.

“In view of this, we believe that the proposal deserves the highest level of consideration through an independent public inquiry.”

‘Detrimental effects’

The project, developed in partnership with EDF Energy, was expected to produce 26,280 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity a year, enough to power between 4,900 and 5,800 homes in the area.

Residents were concerned that the size of the turbines would “overpower” nearby houses and the noise of the structures would make them “unpleasant” to live in.

When the council refused the plans, councillor Neil Blake said it had been a “brave decision” as there was pressure from government to approve wind farms

“However, they also say that it shouldn’t be at any cost,” he said.

“And if the detrimental effects to residents outweigh the benefits of a wind farm, then that should be taken into account, and that’s what we did.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/23/appeal-against-buckinghamshire-wind-farms-rejection/