Turbine protest rejected by judge

Objectors have failed to block plans for three giant wind turbines to power a sports car works in Norfolk.

A High Court judge ruled South Norfolk District Council was right to grant planning permission for erection of the wind farm at the Lotus Cars.

Villagers near the plant and test track at Hethel near Wymondham fought plans.

Mr Justice Cranston rejected claims the planning permission decisions were unconstitutional but said it was wrong not to keep the public informed.

Complaints about the way councillors dealt with noise, safety and the effect on listed buildings were also rejected.

TV reception

However, the judge said the council had failed to publicise its decision, as required by environmental impact regulations.

It had also failed to tell the public of the right to seek judicial review.

The centre of the turbines' hubs would be 78m (255ft) high, with the blades having a 42m (138ft) radius.

The blades would pass within one metre, horizontally, of private land, and one turbine would be 300 metres (984ft) from someone's bedroom.

Planning approval was made subject to conditions relating to noise, flicker, TV reception and external lighting.