Wind farm plans for site near Bishops Itchington and Gaydon are thrown out

The decision after a 10-day public enquiry has backed Stratford District Council’s refusal of planning permission for Broadview Energy Ltd to put up four wind turbines, each up to a maximum tip height of 125 metres.

One of the reasons why it was thrown out was the “adverse impacts on the character and amenity of the local landscape, including public views from the Burton Dassett Hills Country Park”.

The inspector also ruled that a wind farm, off the B4451-Gaydon Road, would have “adverse effects on the living conditions of nearby residential properties, with particular reference to visual impact”.

The plan for Starbold Wind Farm met with stiff opposition from people living nearby and the action group Frawt – Feldon Residents Against Wind Turbines – was set up.

A spokesman said: “Frawt is relieved and pleased that the minister and the planning inspector have seen fit to dismiss this appeal. This endorses the unanimous decision to refuse this development taken by the district council’s planning committee, following sound advice from planning officers.”

While Cllr Sir William Lawrence, of Stratford District Council, said: “It is good to see that the inspector’s decision supports that it has to be in the right place or not have a negative impact on the community.”

He added that “wind energy is important” – but must be in the right location.