May 19, 2014
England

Appeal against Mendip Hills wind turbine plans rejected

BBC News | 18 May 2014 | www.bbc.co.uk

Two appeals over plans for wind turbines on the Mendip Hills in Somerset have been rejected by The Planning Inspectorate.

An appeal by Quarsol Ltd for a 103m (340ft) structure at Maesbury Quarry near Shepton Mallet was thrown out.

The plans were originally turned down by Mendip District Council last August.

An appeal against a decision to reject plans for a 95m (310ft) turbine at Victoria Farm, East Horrington were also dismissed.

A spokesman for Action Against Turbines on Mendip (AATOM) said they were “delighted”.

“Any wind turbine in this beautiful part of Mendip would have been an obscenity.

“There are many other reasons why we fought against it, particularly the appalling effect on residents and the wonderful scenic views across the Mendip escarpment.”

According to the group, planning inspector Paul Griffiths said his decisions “turned on the harm both turbines would cause to the setting and significance of Maesbury Castle” – an Iron Age hill fort and scheduled ancient monument in the area.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/05/19/appeal-against-mendip-hills-wind-turbine-plans-rejected/