An energy company bidding to build seven wind turbines the height of St Paul’s Cathedral in north Shropshire has made its final case on the last day of a month-long public inquiry.

Nuon Renewables barrister Roger Newcombe told the hearing that the scheme, on farmland near Market Drayton, should go ahead because of the “economic and environmental benefits” it would bring.

In his closing speech at Woore Victory Hall yesterday, he said: “The world needs as much renewable energy as it can get and the need is unconstrained.

“The visual impact will not be such as to render the scheme unacceptable – the landscape can accommodate it. This is a carefully and sensitively designed scheme.”

He added that the windfarm would have no lasting impact because it would be dismantled after 25 years and he invited the planning inspector to uphold the appeal.

The inquiry was sparked when Nuon appealed after planning authorities in Shropshire and Staffordshire turned down permission for the scheme on farmland at Lower Farm, Bearstone, last year.

Confidence

Tim Jones, for Shropshire Council, joined Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council and residents’ campaign group Vortex in calling for the scheme to be turned down. He said: “There is a lack of confidence in Nuon’s case and government policy does not give carte blanche for windfarms.

“Views of the turbines will be significant for nearby residents and there will be a substantial impact, which points to the dismissal of the appeal.”

He also criticised the body of evidence presented to the inquiry by expert witnesses summoned and paid for by Nuon.

But Mr Newcombe hit back at the claim, saying: “It is improper to suggest that the witnesses on behalf of Nuon were being called and paid for by Nuon for altering their opinions.”

Nuon has said the windfarm would generate enough electricity to power 6,000 homes and help meet regional government targets for renewable energy generation.

Government planning inspector Trevor Cookson will now consider the appeal before making a decision later this year.

By Tom Johannsen