Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has turned down an appeal by energy producer RWE Innogy UK Ltd over a six turbine wind farm proposed for a site at Holme-on-Spalding Moor in Yorkshire refused by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, agreeing with the inspector that the wind farm would harm the setting of the Grade 1 listed Howden Minster.
His decision was in line with the recommendation of the planning inspector who held the recovered inquiry.
Pickles’ decision letter said the scheme would have an adverse impact on the landscape which would increase to moderate/major significance because of other consented or proposed turbines.
He also agreed with the inspector that the wind farm would harm the setting of the Grade 1 listed Howden Minster. Pickles concluded that ‘he identified harms are not outweighed by the scheme’s benefits’.
