Inspector overrules wind farm ban

The energy firm will have to monitor noise and environmental impact

A wind farm is to be built in Derbyshire after a government inspector overturned a planning refusal.

Plans for the turbines at Carsington had been rejected by Derbyshire Dales District Council because it was in an area of natural beauty.

The decision has been overturned following a public enquiry but with 25 conditions attached.

Developers West Coast Energy said it had been working with the council to resolve some of their concerns.

The firm plans to build the four 330ft (100m) turbines on Carsington Pasture and said the power generated would be enough to provide energy for 5,500 homes.

A residents' group from Carsington and Hopton had also opposed the development on the grounds it was too close to three conservation villages and a public bridleway.

But the planning inspector did not agree that the turbines would have an unacceptable impact on the local environment.

However, he put a 25-year limit on the farm, insisted noise levels must be within strict limits and said the council must give final permission on the appearance of the masts.

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A government inspector upheld the plan