Wind farm rejected by councillors

The council said it was still committed to finding sites for renewable energy

Councillors have rejected plans to build a wind farm in Oxfordshire after residents voiced fears about how it would spoil the view.

Four wind turbines, each 411ft (125m) high, was proposed at Willow Bank Farm in Ardley, north of Bicester.

But the plans were unanimously rejected at a meeting on Thursday evening with all 17 councillors voting to oppose it.

Councillor Michael Gibbard said members were committed to use renewable energy but only in the right place.

Resident Andrew Hunter said: "We all stood up and clapped as it was such relief.

"We have our piece of England kept to what we love and know."

Mr Gibbard, from Cherwell District Council, said: "There's many places that can be considered and will be considered. This will not end here.

"We do need renewable energy and we as a local authority will still seek to do that.

"But we need to consider the environment, and the environment of our residents in Cherwell."