Peel wind farm on Green Belt approved

Peel Energy's proposed 19-turbine scheme in Frodsham, Cheshire has been cleared for development by Government.

The proposed 57MWe wind farm is situated on Green Belt at Frodsham Canal Deposits Grounds near Chester and will include 19 turbines, each up to 125 metres long, to blade tip.

Cheshire West & Chester Council turned down a planning application in 2010, leading to a public inquiry before being determined and approved by the Planning Inspector and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Steve Snowdon, development manager of Peel Energy, said: "We are very pleased that the Secretary of State and the Planning Inspector have endorsed our onshore wind farm development at Frodsham.

"For the past three years, GVA's Manchester office has been instrumental in driving forward our aims to deliver a scheme that will make an important contribution towards the generation of renewable electricity within the region."

Stephen Bell, director of planning, development and regeneration consultancy in GVA's Manchester office, said: "Alongside Peel's consented energy from waste and biomass plants a short distance away at Ince, the scheme will make a significant contribution to meeting energy needs and supporting the low carbon economy in the North West.

"Given its Green Belt location, the decision also represents a real test of the Government's commitment to delivering renewable energy infrastructure and the NPPF's support for sustainable development. The outcome should give confidence to scheme promoters that the pressing need for and significant benefits of such infrastructure is being given significant weight."

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment and a Frodsham councillor, said: "We are understandably very disappointed that the Council's objections and the strength of local opinion were overruled. We now need to carefully consider the decision."

Cllr Andrew Dawson, member for Frodsham, said: "I am thoroughly disappointed that the overwhelming sentiments of the local communities have been ignored.

"This application represents the largest wind farm in Europe, located in very close proximity to a major centre of population and a motorway.

"I have asked the Council's lawyers to examine the decision closely to see if it can be challenged."

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below