Second wind farm approved in south Northamptonshire

A second wind farm to be considered in four days has been approved in south Northamptonshire by the Planning Inspectorate.

Five wind turbines will be built at Spring Farm Ridge near Helmdon by Broadview Energy Development Limited.

South Northamptonshire Council rejected the plans in 2011 on the grounds that it would ruin the landscape, but this decision has now been overturned.

The inspectorate approved six turbines near Winwick on Thursday.

The inspectorate said it approved the Spring Farm Ridge proposal because it had "wider economic and environmental benefits".

'Disappointed with decision'

A spokesman from the Planning Inspectorate said: "The decision took into account the need to increase the amount of renewable energy generation in order to meet government obligations by 2020 and help reduce the impact of climate change."

Stephen Clarke, Conservative chairman of South Northamptonshire development control committee, said he was disappointed with the decision.

He said: "On this occasion we concluded that a wind farm in this location will have a detrimental effect on the natural surroundings and residents of the nearby villages."

Broadview Energy Development Limited said it is aiming for the Spring Farm Ridge wind farm to enter commercial operation in late 2013 or early 2014, generating power for the equivalent of about 5,580 homes.

The recent approval of six turbines to be built near Winwick by the inspectorate <link> <caption>sparked criticism</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-18834170" platform="highweb"/> </link> from Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris.

He said developers should not be allowed to by-pass councils.