Bradford v. West Devon Borough Council

Farmers appealed the refusal of planning permission for two wind turbines. The Planning Inspector affirmed the local council’s decision, citing the proposal’s adverse effects on surrounding landscapes and the residential amenities of nearby occupiers. The Inspector acknowledged the importance of the need to combat global warming, but concluded that this policy goal must be balanced against visual and landscape concerns. Even though the project would supply electricity to more than 1,200 homes and would generate significant revenues over its expected 25-year life span, these benefits, according to the Inspector, are outweighed by the unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the distinctive local landscape.