March 9, 2014
England

Asfordby wind farm public inquiry cost council £141,500

BBC News | 9 March 2014 | www.bbc.co.uk

A council said it “had no choice” but to spend more than £140,000 trying to stop a wind farm being built in Leicestershire.

Melton Borough Council turned down the plan for nine turbines on land near Asfordby in July 2012.

Peel Energy, which appealed against the decision, said the farm would have provided power for 8,500 homes.

A government inspector, who has upheld the decision, said it would have adversely affected the landscape.

The council, which estimated the inquiry had cost it £141,500 said it was “essential to play a full role and ensure that its decision was defended”.

Jim Worley, head of regulatory services, said: “It’s a tremendous burden on a local authority, especially a small one like ours but we didn’t have an option but to participate in this event.

“Naturally the council is delighted with the outcome. We fought the good fight and we’re pleased to see the result has fell in our favour.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/03/09/asfordby-wind-farm-public-inquiry-cost-council-141500/