Minister rejects call-in on turbines

Wednesday 11th March 2009, 10:50AM GMT.

Controversial plans for a windfarm on the south Shropshire/Powys border will not be called in by the Government, despite pressure from campaigners and MPs.

The Government was set to decide if four large turbines could be built at Stonewall Hill and Reeves Hill, near Knighton, after the De partment of Communities and Local Government ask ed to study the application.

But communities secretary Hazel Blears has pulled the plug on the move.

A letter from Martyn Hunt, for Ms Blears, to Philip Mullineux, at Herefordshire Council’s planning department, has been sent confirming the minister’s decision.

In the letter, Mr Hunt says: “Having considered all the planning issues raised by this proposal, together with many representations from third parties, the Secretary of State has concluded that her intervention would not be justified.

“The Secretary of State is satisfied that the issues raised would not be more appropriately decided by her rather than the local planning authority (Herefordshire Council).”

This month, Herefordshire Council said it wanted to approve plans for four 328ft (100m) high turbines at the site, despite more than 1,000 people campaigning against the proposal.

Opponents include actor John Challis and novelist Ian McEwan. The council was unavailable for comment.

View more: Mid Wales news, South Shropshire news.