A PLANNING application for a 25-metre wind turbine at Northleach has been refused by Cotswold District Council.

The application would have seen an 80ft, 10kw turbine being built at Cats Abbey Farm and was discussed at a meeting of CDC’s planning committee last week.

The application had sparked a great degree of attention in the area, with 18 letters of objection sent to CDC from organisations including the Cotswold Conservation Board, along with 20 letters of support.

The applicant, Giles Jackson, said he and his family had lived at the farm for nine years and were keen to do their bit for the environment.

“It’s consistently windy at the farm so it seems an ideal place for a wind turbine,” he added.

Mr Jackson added he did not believe the turbine would dramatically increase background noise in the area, especially due to its close proximity to the Fosseway.

A neighbour who objected to the proposal also spoke to the committee, saying he believed the turbine would have a seriously negative effect on wildlife in the area.

“This proposed development constitutes a step too far in terms of harm to the area,” he added.

A previous application for a 150ft turbine on a neighbouring farm was refused by the Ministry of Defence on the grounds that it could have interfered with aircraft.

While debating the application, Cllr Robin Hughes (Con, Sandwell), said he was not in favour of the application.

“The electricity pylons in the area were put up in the 40s and 50s, and I think today they probably wouldn’t do that,” he said.

Cllr Deryck Nash (Lib Dem, Chesterton) said he felt the application was a worthy one.

“In this case the pros outweigh the cons,” he added.

Cllr Margaret Rickman (Lib Dem, Chesterton) agreed, adding her support to the idea.

“I think that a lot of us are too closed-minded about this,” she said.

“You’ve got to realise things are changing – think of our grandchildren.”

Cllrs voted nine to six to refuse the application on the grounds that it would have a negative impact on the landscape of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.