By Eleanor Dickin | Cambridge News | Posted: September 04, 2014 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk
A controversial appeal for a five-turbine wind farm near Royston has been dropped by an energy company.
Highfield Wind Energy Limited has shelved an appeal against a refusal for permission to build the 100 metre turbines outside the village of Litlington.
The plans had been heavily opposed by Royston Town Council, Litlington parish council and local residents over fears they would impact on the “picturesque” landscape.
Cllr Robert Turner, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s (SCDC) cabinet member for planning, said: “I’m pleased the energy firm have chosen to drop their appeal.
“We considered the merits of the application in full and believe it would have had considerable impact on the landscape at this historic location.
“It is important to remember their decision to drop the appeal does not stop them submitting a revised application in the future.
“If this is the case we will of course carry out consultation with all interested parties and look at it on its merits.”
The applicants, who first submitted the plans in March 2012, said the industrial wind farm would produce enough renewable energy to power 5,000 homes in the area.
Local residents formed a campaign group, Stop Litlington Wind Farm, to fight the developer’s proposals.
SCDC’s planning committee voted 12 to one against the plans in February this year raising concerns over the impact the 100 metre turbines would have on the landscape.
Following the decision the applicants, Highfield Wind Energy Limited, lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate, which they have now dropped.
A spokeswoman for Highfield said: “We believe this site is an excellent place to generate a significant quantity of safe, clean, renewable electricity. “However, we have withdrawn this application to allow us to consider a wider range of options for the site.”
The spokeswoman refused to comment further on whether this would mean a fresh application for the site.