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LOCAL WIND FARM CAN GO AHEAD, COURT RULES

A controversial wind farm on Romney Marsh, which opponents say will present a hazard to birds, has been given the go ahead after a High Court ruling today (16 October).

Environmental campaigner Philip Merricks attempted to block plans to construct the 26-turbine wind farm at Little Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, Kent.

Mr Merricks farms at Icklesham, Rye, East Sussex, and manages the Romney Marsh Nature Reserve, which includes the Cheyne Court Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). He challenged last October's decision by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, to approve the scheme.

He argued there had been a failure to take proper account of the danger of birds flying into turbine blades.

Deputy High Court Judge Hamilton rejected the argument and ruled Mr Darling had been entitled on the evidence before him to give his approval.