August 3, 2014
England

Protesters vow to fight on after turbine given go-ahead in Marston

Grantham Journal | 03 August 2014 | www.granthamjournal.co.uk

A protest group has vowed to fight on after the government overturned a vote by district councillors to reject plans for a wind turbine in Marston.

Belvoir Locals Oppose Turbines (BLOT) says it has consulted legal and planning experts following the Planning Inspector’s decision to uphold the appeal.

The 74-metre high wind turbine can now be built on land off Green Lane in the village following the appeal by Yew Tree Farms.

Last year, members of South Kesteven District Council Planning Committee voted overhwelmingly by 14 votes to 2 against the plan which planning officers recommended for approval.

The applicant says the turbine will produce enough electricity to power 300 homes every year.

Jill Rose, secretary to BLOT, said: “BLOT have consulted barristers, solicitors and planning experts and we believe there is a clear case for challenging the Marston wind turbine appeal decision in the High Court.

“The 74m Marston turbine was forcefully opposed locally, by the National Trust, English Heritage and convincingly refused by planning committee, albeit following officer recommendation to approve.

“A government Inspector has ignored local and expert opposition and allowed the appeal, but in so doing has failed to give the proper planning weight to the protection of rich heritage assets to 
be found in and around Marston.

“This very same Inspector made exactly the same mistake for a similar wind turbine appeal decision issued last year in Cornwall. This decision was quashed following a High Court challenge and costs were awarded.

“BLOT have sent a planning expert’s letter to the chief 
executive of SKDC, planning officers, Development Control Committee members and local MPs clearly showing the Marston appeal decision must be challenged.

“BLOT consider the council’s original refusal must be properly defended and SKDC should do their statutory duty to protect and challenge this flawed decision in the courts because there will be broader implications if this is not done.”

Any challenge to the inspector’s decision must be lodged in the High Court by August 12.

The planning inspector said: “The proposed turbine would be significantly taller than any other feature nearby, but when seen in context, I agree with the council’s officers that it would not have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/03/protesters-vow-to-fight-on-after-turbine-given-go-ahead-in-marston/