91�ȱ�

Plans to erect four wind turbines near a Cambridgeshire village of Ellington have been rejected.

Renewable energy company RES UK & Ireland Ltd applied to Huntingdonshire District Council to build the turbines on a 219-hectare (540 acre) site.

The council concluded the plans were "contrary to local planning polices... and would have a detrimental impact on local heritage assets".

In a statement, RES said it was likely to appeal the decision.

John Knight, RES development project manager for the proposed wind farm, said: "Despite a positive recommendation to consent the wind farm from the planning officer and a great deal of local support, we were very disappointed to see the councillors refuse the planning application.

"We have been able to clearly show that the wind farm would have no significant effects on local people, the environment or wildlife."

The company also has the option to re-submit plans for just three turbines, which Steve Ingram, head of planning services at the council, said would be in keeping with local planning policies.

'More proposals'

Mr Ingram said: "We had a lot of local opposition [to the proposals], but we also received letters of support, albeit from a wider area, and they all had to be taken into account.

"The applicants have the ability to appeal.

"They have a six-month window to do that if they wish, and if they do, the council will have to react accordingly."

He added: "National policy is very supportive of renewable energy proposals and is supportive of wind farm proposals.

"Against that backdrop, in an area of relatively high wind speeds, we are likely to deal with more ongoing proposals."