Kimbolton wind farm plan rejected by district council

PLANS for a wind farm on the site of a former World War Two airfield have been rejected by Huntingdonshire District Council.

Broadview Energy wanted to put up three 125m turbines near Kimbolton, Tilbrook and Stow Longa.

But last night members of HDC’s development management panel voted unanimously against the proposals.

Councillors followed the recommendation of planners that the application be refused, on the grounds the turbines would have a harmful impact on the Kym Valley, the Kimbolton and Tilbrook Conservation Areas and important historical sites such as Kimbolton Castle.

Their potential effect on two nearby homes was described as “unpleasantly overwhelming” by HDC’s development management team leader Jennie Parsons.

Members of campaign group Stop Bicton Wind Farm attended the meeting and were delighted with the outcome, although warned of the likelihood that Broadview would appeal.

Chairman Richard Murphy said: “We are delighted with this result. We have won an important battle. But we can’t yet say we’ve won the war.

“Broadview has continuously disregarded local democracy and we expect it to appeal this decision, forcing a second public inquiry and incurring further costs - to the taxpayer, the local council and local communities - to fight a proposal which should never have been put on the table in the first place.”