Controversial wind farm gets the go-ahead

PLANNING permission for a controversial wind farm in Langford has been granted by a government planning inspector.

Wind farm at Langford given go ahead

A report from the national Planning Inspectorate published on Thursday gave the green light to an application for ten 110m-high wind turbines to be built on land north of Edworth Road.

The development plans drawn up by The Co-operative Group also include a control building, monitoring mast, associated hardstanding and on-site track accesses.

Inspector Robin Brooks said in his report: "I am satisfied that the scheme would not make any local dwellings unacceptably unattractive places in which to live.

"Whilst the character of the landscape would be radically changed it would not in my judgement be unacceptably harmed.

"Overall, I do not believe that the value derived from outdoor recreation locally would be appreciably diminished. In none of these respects would harm be unacceptable.

"The proposal would make a tangible contribution to achieving regional and national targets for renewable energy generation and that this outweighs any adverse impacts in terms of the other issues."

A planning inquiry was held in November and December last year after planning authority Central Bedfordshire Council refused to give permission for the scheme.

The council argued that that the turbines would have had an "adverse visual impact" and that noise would be "detrimental" to residents living nearby.

Cllr Ken Matthews, the council's executive member for strategic planning, said this week: "The council is disappointed by the decision of the inspector.

"However, the council acknowledges that a lengthy and thorough public inquiry was held to consider this appeal where all interested parties were able to put their case."

Rob Ellis, sustainable development manager for The Co-operative Group, said welcomed the decision.

"We are delighted that our ten-turbine wind farm near Biggleswade can now become a reality following the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to consent to our planning application," he said.

"Once built, our new wind farm will generate 47 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity – enough to supply approximately 11,400 homes and saving between 18,000 and 43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

"We know that many people will be pleased with this decision.

"We will continue to consult with local residents throughout construction of the wind farm and will start work to establish a community trust fund to help local people support environmental and energy efficiency schemes."