Campaigners celebrate judge’s rejection of Huntspill wind farm plans

Credit: Published: July 2, 2014 | www.burnham-on-sea.com ~~

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Campaigners who have been fighting controversial proposals for a wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea have been celebrating this week after a decision by a High Court judge to reject the scheme.

Green energy firm Ecotricity wanted to install four wind turbines at West Huntspill, but its scheme was turned down by Sedgemoor District Council and the company appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which held an inquiry last year.

The inspector concluded that the turbines should be put up, but Secretary of State Eric Pickles over-ruled that recommendation and threw out the plans earlier this year.

However, Ecotricty appealed against the Secretary of State’s decision to over rule the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation and refuse the application.

As first reported here, a hearing was held at the High Court in London last Friday when the judge dismissed Ecotricity’s appeal, saying there was no case to overturn the Secretary of State’s decision.

Ecotricity has said this week that it is now considering its options regarding a third appeal.

“We are disappointed by the decision. We believe the Black Ditch site is absolutely an appropriate location for four wind turbines and it was clear to us that there were discrepancies in the Secretary of State’s decision to dismiss our appeal,” said a spokesperson.

Julie Trott, who has long campaigned against the plans in her role on the Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group, told Burnham-On-Sea.com she was “delighted” by the judgement. “I and many residents are absolutely delighted by this decision which is the right decision for our area,” she said.

Residents in Rooksbridge are also waiting to see whether the court ruling has any impact on the Planning Inspectorate’s consideration of the Pilrow Farm wind farm application by Broadview Energy.

Source: Published: July 2, 2014 | www.burnham-on-sea.com

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