Windfarm plans thrown out in landmark ruling

An artist's impression of what the turbines would look like. Credit: LDA Design

A high court judge has rejected plans for a windfarm on the edge of the Norfolk Broads.

Sea & Land Power wanted to build four turbines in Hemsby near Great Yarmouth. Mrs Justice Lang upheld a decision by the borough council to refuse the application, saying it would harm the character and appearance of the landscape.

The judge ruled that the Coalition Government's renewable energy targets do not outweigh the value of the beauty of the countryside.The landmark judgment will give hope to many local councils and conservation groups around the country which are fighting similar plans.

In its planning application, Sea & Land argued the 105m-high turbines would supply power to more than 5,000 homes and help meet the Government's energy targets.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) expressed concerns about the impact of the wind turbines on important local populations of pink footed geese and marsh harriers.