Council's day in court over Fullabrook wind farm proposal
North Devon Gazette|June 18, 2008
Earlier this year, the council decided to seek a full judicial review against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for a 66-megawatt wind farm at Fullabrook Down. The decision followed a Public Inquiry held between November 2006 and January 2007. During the Inquiry, the council argued strongly that the impact the development would have on the local landscape, the lives of those living in the area, the attractiveness of the area to visitors and local tourism far outweighed any benefits. It is challenging the Secretary of State's decision on landscape, noise and policy grounds.
Earlier this year, the council decided to seek a full judicial review against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for a 66-megawatt wind farm at Fullabrook Down. The decision followed a Public Inquiry held between November 2006 and January 2007. During the Inquiry, the council argued strongly that the impact the development would have on the local landscape, the lives of those living in the area, the attractiveness of the area to visitors and local tourism far outweighed any benefits. It is challenging the Secretary of State's decision on landscape, noise and policy grounds.
The High Court is due to hear North Devon Council's appeal against a decision to build 22 giant wind turbines in North Devon next week.
Earlier this year, the council decided to seek a full judicial review against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for a 66-megawatt wind farm at Fullabrook Down.
The decision followed a Public Inquiry held between November 2006 and January 2007.
During the Inquiry, the council argued strongly that the impact the development would have on the local landscape, the lives of those living in the area, the attractiveness of the area to visitors and local tourism far outweighed any benefits.
It is challenging the Secretary of State's decision on landscape, noise and policy …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]The High Court is due to hear North Devon Council's appeal against a decision to build 22 giant wind turbines in North Devon next week.
Earlier this year, the council decided to seek a full judicial review against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for a 66-megawatt wind farm at Fullabrook Down.
The decision followed a Public Inquiry held between November 2006 and January 2007.
During the Inquiry, the council argued strongly that the impact the development would have on the local landscape, the lives of those living in the area, the attractiveness of the area to visitors and local tourism far outweighed any benefits.
It is challenging the Secretary of State's decision on landscape, noise and policy grounds. The Review will be heard at the High Court, London, on June 25 and 26.
Leader of North Devon Council, Mike Harrison, said: "By a vast majority and after intense discussions, this council decided to challenge the Fullabrook decision. It's next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"We took this route because we felt it was important to ensure the best outcome for the people of North Devon."
The council is currently looking at three separate planning applications for wind farms in the area, including plans for nine turbines at Batsworthy Cross, two turbines at Cross Moor and nine turbines at Three Moors.
Before it can consider each of these applications on their own merits, it has to carry out a detailed consultation with several partners and agencies. Each of the wind farm applications are currently at this consultation stage.