Appeal court upholds decision to block windfarm at historic site

Plans for an onshore windfarm close to an historic Northamptonshire building have been defeated.

The Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision to block plans for the wind turbine development close to Lyveden New Bield.

The National Trust, English Heritage and East Northamptonshire Council worked jointly to oppose the appeal brought by Barnwell Manor Wind Energy Ltd.

It was found the turbines would have been harmful to Lyveden’s Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house because of the substantial impact on the setting.

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “We are very pleased that the Court of Appeal has underlined the vital principle of preserving important historic places like Lyveden New Bield - one of the most beautiful and unspoilt Elizabethan landscapes in England.

"We have continued to argue that the original decision by East Northamptonshire Council to refuse the application was absolutely right.

"The subsequent reasoning of the planning inspector did not pay enough attention to the significance of this exotic jewel in the landscape; to allow turbines here would have had an appalling impact on a very special place.

"This Judgement reinforces the standards of decision-making that must be applied when balancing the need for sustainable energy alongside the commitment to preserve the most important aspects of the nation's heritage.”