DERBYSHIRE'S FIRST WIND FARM PERMITTED ON APPEAL

Following a two-week public inquiry, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has upheld an appeal by West Coast Energy against the decision of Derbyshire Dales District Council to refuse planning permission for a wind farm at Carsington, near Matlock. The proposed wind farm, which comprises four turbines of 125m to blade tip, will be sited 2km from the boundary of the Peak District National Park, overlooking Carsington Reservoir. It is the first to be permitted in Derbyshire.

The Inspector, Robin Brooks, found that the turbines would be visible from parts of the National Park, but concluded they would not harm the special characteristics of the Park or the reasons for its designation. He also rejected the contention of the local planning authority that the wind farm would be materially harmful to tourism and recreation interests. He concluded that the limited visual impact of the turbines was outweighed by the pressing national need for renewable energy.

Jeremy Pike appeared for (and was instructed by) West Coast Energy.