Swinford Wind Farm, Leicestershire, Appeal Upheld
The Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government has just upheld a non-determination appeal by Nuon Renewables for their planning application to construct 11 wind turbines at Swinford, Leicestershire. The Local Planning Authority had ruled that they would have refused planning permission due to the potential adverse impact on the setting of a Scheduled deserted medieval village, a Grade 1 listed building and a grade II registered park of historic importance and the lack of appropriate archaeological evaluation. CgMs' historic buildings team had provided specialist advice to Nuon for the Environmental Statement, and following lodging of the appeal, Jonathan Edis (CgMs Historic Buildings Director) and Rob Bourn (CgMs Archaeology Director) were Nuon's cultural heritage expert witnesses at the Public Inquiry.
Following the appeal decision, Piers Guy, the Head of Development at Nuon Renewables, said: “Nuon Renewables is obviously delighted with the decision to consent the proposed Swinford Wind Farm. We have always felt this was a sensitively designed wind farm in the right place and we would like to thank all of those who have helped us.” Will Wason, Nuon's Project Manager said: “The prospect of building a top class wind farm in the Swinford area is incredibly exciting and Nuon Renewables is keen to get started. We hope to start building in 2011 and have the project completed by 2012. We also look forward to working with local people and establishing the community benefit fund which will provide substantial financial support for sustainable local initiatives throughout 25 year life of the wind farm.”
CgMs are pleased to have assisted Nuon and the rest of the appeal team in achieving this success and we look forward to assisting Nuon discharge the archaeological conditions attached the appeal decision as the construction of the wind farm progresses.
