Following the refusal in January 2009 of a planning application to erect three wind turbines by East Herts Council, R H Bott & Son lodged an appeal which was the subject of a Public Inquiry in December 2009.

The decision of the Inquiry, which rejected the appeal, was announced on 30 March 2010.

The final paragraph of the decision document reads as follows -

"I conclude that the benefits of the proposal, substantial though they are, do not outweigh the harm to the natural and historic environment. So far as the Green Belt is concerned, the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and the other harm I have identified, are not clearly outweighed by other considerations in the shape of the benefits of the proposal; and the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development do not therefore exist. Accordingly, for the reasons given above, and bearing in mind all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed."

The full decision document can be found here.

Carole Pomfret 01438 869 084