Wind turbine firm 'might appeal'

Nuon Renewables wants to build seven turbines on this site

The firm behind rejected plans to build a windfarm on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border is considering appealing against the council decision.

Nuon Renewables said the site near Norton-in-Hales was the ideal spot for seven 360ft (110m) wind turbines.

North Shropshire District Council threw out the plans at a meeting on Tuesday after they had been similarly rejected by Newcastle-under-Lyme Council.

The firm said it was "disappointed" and would study the decision carefully.

The company has said the turbines would produce enough energy to power 6,000 homes.

'Best option'

But more than 2,000 letters of objection were sent to the council by local residents.

Councillors rejected the plans, saying they would have "an unacceptable adverse impact" on listed buildings nearby.

Nuon Renewables Project director Graham Davey said the plans had been recommended for approval by officers at North Shropshire District Council.

He added that it was "unlikely" that the firm would consider an alternative site.

He said: "The site at Poplar Lane was chosen after three years of fairly careful study.

"We looked at other sites both in Shropshire and outside in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

"We came up with the Poplar Lane site because we felt it was the best option."