Wind turbine plan is powered down

Plans for a wind farm in a picturesque North Dorset setting were sensationally thrown out on July 2.

Despite a recommendation to approve the six 120m-high turbines at Silton, near Gillingham, district councillors unanimously voted to refuse the application.

Hundreds of objectors had earlier protested outside the Olive Bowl conference centre before the tumultuous meeting and around 200 packed out the inside of the hall.

Ultimately the public outcry to Ecotricity's scheme told, as the council's development control committee voted to scrap the turbine plans.

Chris Langham, chairman of the Save Our Silton protest group, said: "It was a great result. We couldn't have asked for more.

"There were great arguments and a fantastic turnout. Overturning a recommendation is not easy but it has been worth the battle."

Arguments against the turbines, which would have been as tall as Egypt's largest pyramid, centred on the fact of the area's outstanding natural beauty would be spoilt.

Protestors said the giant structures would only be 550m from the nearest resident's front door.

Ecotricity expressed disappointment at the decision and tore into the district council for their lack of "backbone".

Dale Vince. managing director of Ecotricity, said: "It shows once again that councils are just not capable of making these decisions.

"North Dorset council have taken 12 months to make a decision, which is supposed to have been made in four.

"Even though their own planning officers have recommended approval in a 106-page document, councillors have not had the backbone to endorse that."

Mr Vince confirmed Ecotricity would appeal the decision.

He said: "Councils like North Dorset prove themselves unfit for the job time and again.

"We will now take this to the government - that's where the decision needs to be taken from the start, to save a lot of time and hassle."