February 27, 2014
England

Wind farm plans dismissed after intervention by Eric Pickles

Western Morning News | February 26, 2014 | www.westernmorningnews.co.uk

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has personally intervened to dismiss an appeal for a giant wind farm in Somerset.

The scheme, beside a nature reserve at West Huntspill, for five 414ft wind turbines, is one of dozens of multiple turbine applications called in by the Secretary of State last year.

Mr Pickles introduced new guidelines last summer for planning inspectors amid claims that council refusals were routinely being overturned on appeal.

The Western Morning News last week revealed that the new rules had reduced the number of turned-down applications in Devon and Cornwall from 75% to 44% since November.

The Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group said it was notified on Wednesday that the appeal by Ecotricity against the decision by Sedgemoor District Council to refuse planning permission for their proposed Black Ditch windfarm had failed.

Spokesman for the group Julie Trott said she was “elated” after “long and arduous campaign”.

“After such a long and hard battle I feel elated to say the least by the decision which we have been waiting so long to hear – ompletely over the moon,” she added.

“The threat of having a wind farm imposed upon you, within less than 700 meters of your home is draining and soul destroying. This is the best news for the Huntspills and the Somerset Levels as a whole.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/27/wind-farm-plans-dismissed-after-intervention-by-eric-pickles/