Wind farm to be built near a Northamptonshire heritage site

A wind farm looks set to be built near a Northamptonshire heritage site after permission was granted on appeal.

Plans for five turbines were rejected in an area north of Catshead Wood by East Northamptonshire District Council in 2010 following local opposition.

Residents said the plan would have a negative impact on nearby historical sites, like Lyveden New Bield.

An appeal was lodged by developers Barnwell Manor Wind Energy Ltd for four turbines, and was successful.

Heritage at "great risk"

Paul Griffiths, on behalf of the planning inspectorate, said there would be a visual impact on the area but said the goverment guidelines were aimed at promoting green energy.

The wind farm would comprise four wind turbines, a sub-station, access road, an 80 metre anemometer mast, underground cabling and temporary construction facilities.

The decision has angered the National Trust, which has issued a statement saying the 126.5m (415ft) turbines, would have a negative impact on Lyveden New Bield - a 17th Century lodge - which has one of the the finest surviving examples of an Elizabethan garden.

Fiona Reynolds, director-general of the National Trust, said: "This decision is a landmark case which undermines the protection of our heritage sites.

"The National Trust sees this development having a substantial impact on the setting of a historic site of the highest designation.

"It provides a clear indication that our cultural heritage is at great risk from inappropriately sited wind turbines and wind farms.

"If the impacts here are not such as to amount to substantial harm to our nation's heritage it is difficult to conceive where they would be."