Local MP Richard Bacon has welcomed the dismissal of an appeal to overturn South Norfolk Council’s rejection of a seven turbine windfarm at Hempnall.

Mr Bacon said today: “This decision is a victory for common sense. The Inspector has clearly listened to strongly expressed local views that Bussey's Loke was not the right site for a wind farm. I am particularly pleased that he has recognised the inherently attractive “human” scale and quality of the environment.

“South Norfolk Council came to the right conclusion when it rejected these plans and the Council’s reasoning has now been endorsed by the Planning Inspector. It is clear that the environmental and social damage to Hempnall and the surrounding area from seven 125 metre high turbines would outweigh any benefit from renewable energy.

“In order to take proper advantage of the benefits of wind power we should go off-shore, where it is much windier.  It would then be possible to have large scale developments and big economies of scale, without the intrusion which this type of development on-shore will inevitably cause in a gentle rural landscape.

“The SHOWT campaign group have done magnificent work in coordinating local residents to see off these proposals.  Their success will inspire other rural communities facing similarly ill-conceived plans”.

Mr Bacon was speaking after Planning Inspector Mr David Lavender MRTPI yesterday dismissed Enertrag UK’s appeal against South Norfolk District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for seven 125 metre turbines near Hempnall. 

Mr Bacon addressed the Hempnall Planning Inquiry at Long Stratton in October this year.  His statement to the Inquiry can be found here.

9 December 2009

See also:
LOCAL NEWS: MP calls for balance at Hempnall windfarm inquiry
SPEECHES: Speech to the Hempnall Planning Inquiry