Campaigners are claiming victory this week in a three-year fight to stop a wind farm being built.
On Wednesday, a government planning inspector rejected two appeals from energy firm Nuon Renewables to build seven 110m wind turbines on land at Lower Farm, Bearstone.
Nuon had appealed against council decisions to refuse permission for the project to go ahead.
At a month-long public enquiry in Woore, legal representatives for Nuon argued that the wind farm would provide electricity for 6,000 homes, bringing “economic and environmental benefits” to the area.
However, residents’ group Vortex claimed the project site was unsuitable and would have a devastaling effect on the area’s landscape and businesses.
In a 22-page report, planning inspector Trevor Cookson considered the possible effects on the “character and appearance of the surrounding area,” residents’ comfort, and the suitability of access from the B5026.
The decisions were welcomed by Vortex coordinator Terry May who said their campaign had cost more than £80,000 to run.
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