At its planning meeting last night (23 April) councillors unanimously rejected the proposed development because of the adverse effect it would have on the villages of Ardley with Fewcott, and Fritwell.

Cherwell's portfolio holder for planning and housing, Councillor Michael Gibbard, said: "Cherwell supports renewable energy generation - a cleaner, greener district is one of our priorities. But it's important that wind farm developments are built in the right place, and that is not next to these villages."

He added: "The council's officers had recommended approval in the light of national policy guidance about supporting renewable energy development. This is an important consideration and the committee was well aware of that need. But officers also pointed out that the development's visual and landscape impacts would be very significant. In the circumstances of this particular site, these factors were more important and justified refusal."

Planning committee chairman, Councillor Fred Blackwell commented: "The fact that the committee was unanimous in it's rejection of this proposal reflects the strong feeling that this would have been an entirely inappropriate place for such a development."

Added 24 April.