A DECISION on plans for four giant wind turbines in the Berkeley Vale now rests with an independent planning inspector after a public inquiry finally concluded.

The Planning Inspectorate heard evidence at the final four days of the inquiry into whether or not green energy firm Ecotricity should be granted permission for a wind park.

In April last year Stroud District Council’s planning committee refused Ecotricity permission to build four 120-metre high wind turbines near Stinchcombe because of its impact on the local landscape, but the company appealed against the council’s decision.

An inquiry sat for four days in January but was forced to adjourn because of the volume of evidence being presented by both sides.

It resumed last week when independent inspector Richard Thomas took part in a site visit on Tuesday, September 4, visiting the fields at Standle Farm in Stinchcombe, near Dursley, which is the controversial proposed location for the turbines.

The inquiry then continued at the council chamber, Ebley Mill, Stroud, from Wednesday to Friday last week.

The Inspectorate heard evidence on behalf of Ecotricity, Stroud District Council, Stinchcombe Parish Council and campaign group Save Berkeley Vale.

Campaigners from Save Berkeley Vale argued that the impact of the turbines on neighbours, including the Prince of Wales hotel, the nearby Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and on heritage sites like Berkeley Castle were all reasons to refuse the Ecotricity scheme.

But Ecotricity claims that the site is more than 1km away from the Cotswold AONB, that it would have little impact on residential homes or businesses and that wind turbines are not permanent developments.

A closing statement on behalf of Stinchcombe, Alkington and Hamfallows parish councils said: "The parish councils are the elected representatives of the people in these communities and on behalf of the vast majority of people in those communities are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed development.

"The parish councils are fully supportive of the Save Berkeley Vale group and are aware of the extent of the support it enjoys from the local communities."

Ecotricity claims the wind park would provide green energy for over 7,000 homes.

The Planning Inspectorate will consider all the evidence from the inquiry before a decision is made, which is likely to be in a few weeks.