PLANS for a 250ft wind turbine near Bromyard have been refused by Herefordshire Council.

Peter Hill, of g2 Renewable Energy Developments Limited, wanted permission to install the turbine on land at Halfridge Farm, Pippins Hill, in Acton Beauchamp.

A campaign group was set up to oppose the development and Herefordshire Council this week decided, by delegated powers, that the adverse effects of the development had been “underestimated”.

In its decision notice, the local authority said the sensitivity of landscape and visual receptors has been set too low, and the overall significance of effects on landscape character and visual and public amenity would be significant and could not be mitigated.

It also said the development would impact on the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.