A PROPOSAL to build a wind turbine on a farm in Turves has been rejected.

E.C Brown & Sons hoped to erect a 36-metre high turbine on farmland south of Model Farm, Cock Bank, Turves, but was refused permission by Fenland District Council because of its visual impact on the surrounding area.

The applicant claimed the turbine, which would reach a height of 46 metres at the tip of its blade, would help them reduce their carbon emissions while improving their self-sufficiency.

But FDC was concerned about its impact on Birch Tree Farm, which is 440 metres from the proposed site, and several other farms.

The planning decision said: “The proposal would result in an unacceptable overbearing impact on an existing residential property (Birch Tree Farm) as well as an adverse visual impact on the surrounding open rural area by virtue of the overall height and location of the turbine.”

Objections had been raised to the proposal in a neighbour’s letter of objection, which said “our existence as a house is blatantly, purposefully and mischieviously ignored”, and Whittlesey Town Council, who argued building another turbine in the area was unnecessary.

EC Brown & Sons is a fourth generation farming business established in the 19th century by Zacheus Brown.