Client: Broadland District Council
Location: Guestwick, Norfolk

Brief
Liz Lake Associates was appointed by Broadland District Council to advise on the landscape and visual issues associated with an application for a wind turbine development comprising six 125m-high turbines on farmland adjacent the village of Guestwick, Norfolk. The area surrounding the site is considered to be of high landscape value.

Approach
Our work included advice on the landscape and visual requirements of a scoping document for the Environmental Impact Assessment, liaising with the Applicant's landscape consultants and reviewing sections of the Environmental Statement submitted with the Application.

Following the refusal of planning permission, we were instructed to prepare evidence to support our original analysis that the proposals would have a significant adverse impact on the character and quality of the surrounding landscape and on the setting of Guestwick village. Michelle Bolger appeared as an expert witness at the subsequent Public Inquiry.

The Inspector's decision refused the appeal and supported our assessment of the historic value of the landscape. However the decision was subsequently successfully challenged and quashed, and a second appeal was held at which Michelle Bolger also gave evidence.

Outcome
The second appeal was also dismissed on account of adverse impacts on the landscape and the historic environment. A second challenge went to the High Court where it was dismissed by Frances Patterson QC sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge.

The Inspector's decision can be downloaded here and the judgement here.

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