High Court backs wind farm plan

The energy firm said the turbines would generate power for 5,500 homes

A plan to build four huge wind turbines overlooking a reservoir in Derbyshire has been backed by the High Court.

In September, planning inspector Robin Brooks said the project near Carsington Water could go ahead.

But the Peak District National Park Authority decided to appeal against the decision, claiming the wind farm would have "a major impact on the landscape".

But a judge at the High Court in London said he could find "no error of law" in the inspector's ruling.

Carsington Wind Energy, which is behind the project, said the turbines would produce much-needed energy for about 5,500 homes.

Public inquiry

The 102m (335ft) turbines - nearly twice the height of Nelson's Column - are planned for Carsington Pastures, between Matlock and Ashbourne.

Although the wind farm would not be inside the Peak District National Park it would be near the boundary.

The proposal from Carsington Wind Energy, part of West Coast Energy, was initially approved following an eight-day public inquiry in July 2008.

Derbyshire Dales District Council joined the park authority in the appeal to the High Court to block the development.

Steve Salt, from West Coast Energy, said: "We have other projects in Derbyshire where there is a lot of support from local people.

"But there is also an anti-group and those tend to get publicised more than the supporters - but now we have received a major boost."