Controversial plans to build a wind farm comprising of nine huge turbines near Burnham-On-Sea were thrown out by district councillors on Tuesday.
Up to 170 people crowded into the Princess Theatre in Burnham for a special meeting of Sedgemoor’s development control to consider the EDF and Ecotricity plans, both of which had been recommended for approval by the council.
Ecotricity wanted to place four turbines at Black Ditch, which is land to the south of Poplar Farm in West Huntspill.
The second application from EDF Energy involved putting up five turbines at Withy Farm in East Huntspill.
The applications were refused on grounds of visual impact and insufficient evidence of the impact on the ecology of the area.
Over 500 residents campaigned against both applications on the grounds the turbines would be too high and too close to their homes.
A spokesman for Ecotricity said the firm was “disappointed” with the decision. “After carrying out extensive assessments, analysing potential impacts on the landscape, ecology and ornithology, we are still confident the site is a highly appropriate one to harness the power of the wind and help fight against climate change.
“We shall closely consider our options, but there is certainly a strong case to appeal against the committee’s decision.”
Julie Trott, from Huntspill Windfarm Action Group, said: “I’m thrilled, I’m over the moon, it couldn’t have gone better.”
The 120-strong audience at Tuesday’s meeting in the Princess Theatre and, above, council committee chairman Bob Filmer
