Campaigners have reluctantly admitted defeat in their battle against a major onshore wind farm close to homes in Essex after a Government inspector gave the go-ahead for work to begin.

Energy company Npower Renewables now has permission to build a five-turbine wind farm at Earls Hall Farm between Clacton and St Osyth after it successfully appealed against a council decision to refuse the project.

Last year Tendring district councillors rejected proposals for the 410-feet turbines and substation even though they had been recommended for approval by planning officers.

But following a Planning Inquiry, Npower's appeal has been granted and work can now begin at the 80-hectare site off St John's Road which could provide electricity for between 5,000 and 6,000 homes.

The announcement has infuriated campaign group STAPLE (South Tendring Acting to Protect Our Local Environment) which said a precedent had been set by allowing a wind farm cluster so... [continue via Web link]