Cherwell District Council has rejected a plan for a large wind turbine development at Willow Farm in Fewcott.

The planning proposal called for the construction of four wind turbines, each with a height of 125 metres, associated buildings and a site entrance.

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

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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.

"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."

(CD/JM)