The Planning Inspector has returned his verdict on the appeal against the decision by the Isle of Wight council to refuse three wind turbines at Cheverton Down in December 2009.
Following a lengthy public hearing earlier in the year, many site visits and a great deal of paperwork, the Planning Inspector, John Woolcock, today returned his decision to dismiss the appeal, thereby refusing permission for the three turbines to be built at Cheverton Down.
Matt Olley, Development Manager for REG Windpower (who took over the project from Cornwall Light & Power), told VB, “Along with the project’s many local supporters, we are extremely disappointed with this decision.
“Not only could the 9MW wind farm have spearheaded the fight against dangerous climate change on the Island, but a significant sum would have been available to support local good causes through a Community Fund.
“Additionally we were committed to working closely with Vestas and anticipated that their innovative Research and Development facility at West Medina Mills would have played a crucial role in delivering the equipment to be installed at Cheverton Down.
“Regrettably these substantial benefits to the Island have been seriously jeopardised.
“While we are currently still digesting the decision and it is far too early to say what our next steps might be with this project, it is worth noting that we still hold a valid planning permission for three 52m tall turbines on Cheverton Down.”
The full report (54 pages) is embedded below for your convenience. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.
Cheverton Down Appeal Decision
Image: Adulau under CC BY-SA 2.0
