Wind turbines rejection confirmed

Campaigners staged protests against the turbines

Councillors have confirmed their decision to refuse plans for a wind farm in the Vale of Belvoir.

Developers Infinergy wanted to build up to 10 turbines near Long Bennington in Lincolnshire, close to the border with Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The company insisted the proposals met industry guidelines.

South Kesteven District Council's development control committee, which had opposed the plans in principle, voted by 10 to two to reject them.

'Welcome decision'

This was despite a planning officer's recommendation the proposals should be accepted.

Protesters raised health concerns about the turbines and said they would ruin the look of the Vale of Belvoir.

Peter Finch, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, applauded the committee's stance.

"This is a very welcome decision for the benefit of everyone who enjoys the beauty, the tranquility and the diversity of the Vale of Belvoir," he said.

Infinergy, which had accused protesters of nimbyism and scaremongering, confirmed it would appeal against the decision.

The application is now likely to be referred to a public inquiry.