An appeal by Peel Energy over the rejection of a nine-turbine wind farm proposed for a former mine site near Melton, Leicestershire, has been refused because of the impact on a nearby church.
The Asfordby wind farm scheme had been refused by Melton Borough Council before becoming the subject of a recovered appeal after Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced he would be reviewing how wind farm applications were dealt with by inspectors. This decision went against the advice of the planning inspector involved.
The Secretary of State concluded that, in this case, the ‘substantial harm to the significance of the setting of St Bartholomew’s Church, coupled with the harm by reason of impact on other heritage assets, landscape, residential amenity and recreational amenity clearly outweigh the need for the proposal and its wider economic benefits’.
Jonathan England, Peel Energy’s development director said: ‘We are disappointed and surprised about the Secretary of State’s decision and we will now consider our options before making a decision about how to proceed.’
