December 4, 2013
England

Appeal made against wind farm refusal

Eastbourne Herald | 04 December 2013 | www.eastbourneherald.co.uk

An action group has said it is disappointed after learning of an appeal against the decision to reject plans for a wind farm in Polegate.

The proposals for Shepham Wind Farm were turned down by Wealden District Council back in May. Since then Galliford Try Renewables (GTR) has appealed against the decision.

Stop Shepham Wind Farm (SSWF) which comprises residents living in Hankham, Polegate and Stone Cross – says it is ‘extremely disappointed’ with the ‘insensitive move’ by GTR.

It added, “It was quite clear that the local community overwhelmingly rejected the original and subsequent proposals and that the local democratic process endorsed this opposition.

“The action group will again represent local concerns to this latest appeal process.”

The three turbines were recommended for approval by planning officers but the planning committee voted against the proposal when it was discussed on May 8.

They refused the application after hearing from concerned local residents who said the turbines, which would have been taller than Big Ben, would have a detrimental impact on their lives.

Yes to Shepham Wind Farm spoke at the meeting about the need for renewable energy.

A motion to refuse the plan was carried with seven votes to four.

The turbines were refused on the grounds that they would be dominant and intrusive on the landscape.

A new application submitted for the three turbines was submitted by GTR after it withdrew its application for five turbines. The revised plan for three turbines saw the height of them reduced slightly.

After those plans were refused GTR said it was ‘extremely disappointed’ with the ‘committee’s decision and that it had worked very closely with the council, statutory consultees and industry experts to produce an acceptable planning application.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/12/04/appeal-made-against-wind-farm-refusal/