A CONTROVERSIAL application for a windfarm in The Lenches, near Evesham, has been refused by councillors at Wychavon this evening.

Scottish Power Renewable’s proposal for five 2.3 mega watt turbines, measuring 126.5m from ground to blade tip, was rejected virtually outright during a special development control committee hearing at The Civic Centre in Pershore.

The meeting was attended by hundreds of vociferous opponents to the scheme, together with some supporters. There was also a police presence.

The application was rejected, as per the planning officer’s advice, on the grounds that:

• It would lead to an unnaceptably adverse impact on the character of the landscape and cause a significant visual impact

• It would expose nearby properties to excessive and unreasonable levels of noise

• It would create an overly imposing, dominating and oppressive visual effect for nearby residents

• That the Highways Agency had as yet unresolved concerns relating to the delivery of the turbine components

Coun Roy Caldwell, chairman of Church Lench Parish Council, said: "The impact of noise at night time is a major concern. To grant permission for these turbines will be playing Russian Roulette with people lives in The Lenches."

Scottish Power Renewables expressed its disappointed with the decision and said it would wait for the final report from the planning committee before deciding whether or not to appeal.

When asked if it was getting harder to develop windfarms in England, a spokesman said: “There is no reason that it should if projects, like this one at Lenchwick, meet all relevant planning and environmental requirements.

“The need for developing more onshore windfarms to reduce environmental impact of and meet the Government’s targets for clean energy generation remains very high, and these kinds of projects will continue to be required across the country.”

For more on this breaking story see next week’s Journal.