Inspector to decide on south Warwickshire wind farm plan

The hearing, which was held in Ettington over three weeks, came after Broadview Energy appealed Stratford District councillor’s rejection of the firm’s proposal to build four turbines on a site known as Starbold close to Bishops Itchington.

Lasting 11 days, the inquiry ended last week and a decision on whether to uphold the appeal is expected to be made by mid-December.

Representations were made by Broadview, Stratford District Council and the campaign group Feldon Residents And Wind farm Turbines (FRAWT).

Speaking after the hearing, John Bolton of FRAWT said more than 50 FRAWT supporters attended the first day of the hearing, adding: “We have been well supported throughout. The original planning application had 1,400 letters of objection to it. The support has not drifted at all. There is a huge amount of angst here.

“We are very concerned about the impact on the Burton Dassett Hills. The site is virtually centre-stage for one of the finest views of the Feldon. That is what has offended so many people.”

Olly Buck, development manager at Broadview, said: “We still believe the site is a good one for a wind farm. There is not a massive supply of energy from renewables in Warwickshire.

“We hope that Starbold will be one of the first commercial wind farms in the area to be up and running.”

Acknowledging that Broadview has been fighting a battle against campaigners for the past five years, Mr Buck said: “Surveys reveal that the public at large are in favour of onshore wind farms. What is difficult is local opposition. People obviously value their community and they express these views with great sincerity.

“It’s always a balance between local attitudes and national need.”

If approved, the firm says the site would be up and running within 12 months.