In 2012, Melton Borough Council refused an application for one 77 metre-high turbine at Park Farm, and one 46 metre-high turbine at neighbouring Hall Farm, both located on Klondyke Lane, in Thorpe Satchville.
Both applicants then appealed and were dealt with by planning inspector Alan Novitzky, who ruled in favour of the Hall Farm turbine.
He said that the the benefits of that scheme would "outweigh the harm, i.e. the effect on the character and appearance of the countryside, on heritage assets and on living conditions through outlook and noise," but he concluded that this was not the case for the Park Farm turbine.
He also wrote that, while the Hall Farm turbine met the requirements of the local development strategy, as well as national planning policy, the Park Farm turbine would not and would therefore be "unacceptable."
In decision letters issued this week, Clark agreed with Novitzky’s findings on the Park Hall turbine and refused the application, but ruled against him on the Hall Farm project.
The letter said that Clark disagreed with the inspector’s conclusion "that, in view of the limited lifespan of the turbine, the effect on the fabric of the landscape would not be materially harmful" and considers that the "harm to the fabric of the landscape would remain for a significant period of time."
He also ruled that "the development does not accord with the development plan taken as a whole" and would be "incompatible with its rural location."
He also attached "substantial weight" to a written ministerial statement from June this year, which requires communities to back onshore wind projects.
"The secretary of state is not satisfied that the planning impacts identified by affected local communities have been addressed," the decision letter said.
The Hall Farm decision can be viewed by clicking the link below
The Park Farm decision can be viewed by clicking the link below
