Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

High Court blocks plans for giant wind farm

 

Tom Bawden
Friday 08 March 2013 14:42 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The High Court has blocked plans for a giant wind farm at the Duke of Gloucester’s Barnwell Manor in Northamptonshire after English Heritage and the National Trust challenged the development.

West Coast Energy had planned to build four 300ft turbines on farmland belonging to Barnwell Manor in Sudborough that would have produced clean energy sufficient to power about 4,300 local homes.

However, the plans were opposed on the grounds that the giant wind turbines would spoil the views at nearby historical sites, such as Lyveden New Bield, a 17th-century lodge with one of Britain’s best examples of an Elizabethan garden.

The ruling in this heritage site test case is likely to have significant consequences for the development of the wind-power industry. The National Trust is considering opposing up to 25 proposed developments at stately homes and environmentally sensitive sites.

A National Trust spokesman said: “We are delighted with the outcome. We hope this brings to an end a five-year battle to preserve and protect the important setting of some of our most significant heritage assets.”

RenewableUK, a wind and marine energy association, sought to play down the ruling’s significance. A spokesman said: “It would be wrong to suggest that any kind of precedent has been set on this occasion as each wind farm application is considered on a case-by-case basis.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in