Peel wins planning for green belt wind farm
PEEL Energy has won permission to erect 19 wind turbines on green belt land near Chester following a public inquiry.
Ed Davey, secretary for energy and climate change, approved the plan which was knocked back by Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2010.
Peel says it could power more than 25,000 homes and will contribute to the UK meeting its renewable energy targets.
The wind farm will be built at Frodsham Canal Deposits Grounds. The turbines, which will have 125-metre long blades, will with a combined generating capacity of 57 megawatts.
Peel was advised by GVA. Stephen Bell, director, at GVA’s Manchester office, said: “Given its green belt location, the decision also represents a real test of the Government’s commitment to delivering renewable energy infrastructure and the National Planning Policy Framework’s support for sustainable development.
“The outcome should give confidence to scheme promoters that the pressing need for and significant benefits of such infrastructure is being given significant weight.”
Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, and a Frodsham councillor, said: “We are understandably very disappointed that the council’s objections and the strength of local opinion were overruled. We now need to carefully consider the decision.”
