ANTI wind farm campaigners have vowed to continue their five-year battle against a scheme in West Huntspill after being dealt another blow by the developer.

Ecotricity (Next Generation) challenged Secretary of State Eric Pickles' decision in February to throw out its application to build four 120m turbines on land south of Poplar Farm, known as Black Ditch.

As reported, the judge dismissed the challenge following a hearing at the High Court on June 27.

But, speaking to the Weekly News on Tuesday, Ecotricity announced it has applied to take the case to the Court of Appeal.

A spokesman said: “We maintain there were discrepancies in the Secretary of State's decision and believe that Black Ditch is absolutely a correct location for a wind farm of this size.

“We have applied for permission to the Court of Appeal to hear our case.

“The proposed wind farm, which could power well over 6,000 average UK homes, would be Somerset's first multi-turbine wind farm.”

If given permission - which could take around three months - the firm can appeal.

Roger Lucken, chairman of the No Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group, said the group is “frustrated and concerned” following the news.

He said: “It's difficult for a community group to keep going because of all the money, time and effort it has taken to get this far. We feel like they are trying to wear us down - but we won't give in.

“There must be a legal process they can go through even if the Court of Appeal denies their request.

“We can't do anything about it because the dispute is between the Secretary of State and Ecotricity.

“We still don't think they have a leg to stand on and we're reasonably confident the judgement will be recognised as being correct.”

For the full background on this story search 'Ecotricity' at burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk