July 17, 2014
England

Campaigners confident over outcome of turbine inquiry

Leighton Buzzard Observer | 16 July 2014 | www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk

Opponents to a proposed wind farm in LBO land say they are confident of a favourably outcome to the public inquiry held earlier this month.

The eight-day hearing into the Dorcas Lane turbines planned for Stoke Hammond followed an appeal by Force 9 Energy and EDF against Aylesbury Vale District Council’s refusal of planning permission.

Government inspector, Ms Jessica Graham, will now submit a report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who will announce his decision, expected early in 2015.

Joseph Cresswell, vice chairman of Stop Dorcas Lane Turbines, said : “Completion of this public inquiry will mark the end of a three-year fight to stop this inappropriate development by thousands of local people across the eight settlements blighted by it. SDLT was pleased to challenge the Appeal alongside AVDC and we believe all the competing arguments have been thoroughly examined.”

“Some 50 SDLT members and other public speakers presented powerful evidence of the real harm it would cause. We trust that, as required by the Government, the Inspector will attach significant weight not only to the many valid planning objections but also to the thousands of petition signatures and letters of opposition submitted.”

“We were delighted that our constituency MP, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, also made time to attend the inquiry, where he defended the democratic rights of his constituents in a powerful speech.

“The shadow of this development will hang over us all for several more months. But we remain confident that all those who have united in opposition to it will finally be vindicated.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/17/campaigners-confident-over-outcome-of-turbine-inquiry/