A DEVELOPER has slammed Natural England after controversial plans for an onshore wind farm on the Dengie Peninsula were refused.
Naseby Energy applied to build Dengie Marshes Wind Farm on land east of Bridge Wick Lane, but this was rejected by Maldon District Council.
The project was turned down for reasons including its "likely adverse effect on bird populations", after concerns were raised by Natural England.
Tim Hancock, head of planning at Naseby Energy, was surprised at the objections from Natural England which he says came late in the process.
He told the Standard: "We are very surprised and disappointed by the late response of Natural England.
"No other statutory consultee raised objections and all of the concerns identified were addressed by proposed planning conditions.
"While we acknowledge the comments of Natural England regarding the Habitat Regulations Assessment which informed the council's decision, we strongly disagree with their interpretation of the results of the extensive survey work undertaken and the comprehensive set of mitigation measures proposed."
A Natural England spokesman told the Standard planning decisions are "ultimately a matter for local authorities", but defended their objections.
They said: “Our role is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.
“The proposed development would be on land extensively used by protected rare, vulnerable, and migratory birds.
"We believe the wind farm could lead to habitat loss and a reduction in local bird numbers, and we were not satisfied the measures put forward to prevent harm or loss would be effective.”
The council's report also says the use of lorries to construct the site would have a "severe and detrimental impact" on surrounding rural roads.
Mr Hancock has disputed the council's reasons for refusing permission.
He said: "The plans for Dengie Marshes Wind Farm have been informed by more than three years of environmental surveys and technical assessments, and two rounds of consultation.
"We continue to believe the project can be delivered responsibly with appropriate mitigation and biodiversity enhancement measures.
"The project is clearly supported by national planning policy as a nationally significant infrastructure project that is critical to meeting our climate change targets and urgent need for renewable energy."
Councillors also raised concerns about highway impacts, despite Essex County Council and planning officers raising no formal objections on those grounds.
Naseby Energy is now reviewing the council’s decision and considering its next steps.
Mr Hancock added: "We remain confident that Dengie Marshes Wind Farm can deliver significant economic and community benefits while respecting the area's unique environment."
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