AN ENERGY firm will appeal against the rejection of a plan to build a 14-turbine wind farm to the south-west of Basingstoke.

EDF Energy Renewables wanted to build the wind farm at Bullington Cross, where the A303 and A34 dual carriageways intersect, which would provide enough electricity for 15,000 homes.

But in June, the plan was rejected by the planning committees of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Winchester City Council, and Test Valley Borough Council.

Today a spokesperson for the company said: “After due consideration and a review of the councils’ decision to turn down planning permission for the Bullington Cross scheme, we have decided to lodge an appeal with the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.

“We continue to believe the Bullington Cross site is an excellent location for the size of the wind farm proposed. The project has high levels of local support and will make an important contribution to meet the country’s future, low carbon electricity needs.”

Councillors argued that Bullington Cross was not the right site for a wind farm, and surveys found legally protected bats and dormice living in and around the site.

Among those who objected were the Ministry of Defence and the nearby Popham Airfield, who said the turbines would infringe on airspace used for low-level flying training.

But others supported the scheme, including more than 2,840 from Basingstoke alone.

The site of the proposed wind farm crosses the boundaries of all three local authorities, with seven turbines in Winchester, four in Basingstoke and Deane and three in Test Valley.