Wind farm seeks approval for 2nd time

A scheme for 121-metre wind turbines in Essex is to go before the Planning Inspectorate again, following the discovery of errors in the original application.

The wind farm, which will generate enough power for 10,000 homes, had been opposed by Maldon District Council, though eventually it lost the battle to prevent ten turbines being erected at Hockley Farm, Bradwell.

However, the wind farm to be operated by Npower Renewables still has to be considered by the Planning Inspectorate for the second time following a challenge in the High Court by the council.

Cath Stevenson, development manager at Npower Renewables, told the East Anglian Daily Times: "The Planning Inspector is seeking the views of local stakeholders, including Maldon District Council, about how the wind farm re-determination will proceed.

"I am pleased that the re-determination of the application is progressing, as the wind farm could be a major boost for the 2010 renewable energy targets for the East of England."

Frank Delderfield, chair of the council’s planning committee said: "It is clear that this issue is very important locally and, therefore, the matters need to be aired in public in an open and transparent manner."

Meanwhile, studies in the US have found that bats are more susceptible than birds to being killed by wind turbines.