THE wind farm proposed for Purbeck has been given the green light in a sensational turnaround.

Plans for four turbines at Masters Pit, East Stoke, were thrown out by Purbeck District Council last year, but yesterday it was announced that a planning inspector had allowed an appeal by Purbeck Wind Farm LLP, which trades as Infinergy.

It means the development can now go ahead, albeit constrained by a long list of conditions, including actions to mitigate noise.

Geoff Edwardes, of Dorset Against Rural Turbines, said: “It’s obviously very disappointing for us and for thousands of people in Purbeck and visitors, because it’s not just the landscape, it’s the noise and the efficiency of them.

“Here we are going right against democracy – the council didn’t want it, the people of Purbeck didn’t want it.”

Supporters argue that around three-quarters of those who wrote to the council during the planning process were in favour of the development, with objections coming largely from those living closest to the site.

Derek Moss, from the Yes to Wind group, said: “This is brilliant news; it means Purbeck is taking a small step to becoming sustainable.”

Esbjorn Wilmar, MD of Infinergy, said that it was now possible the turbines could be turning by the end of 2014.

Chairman of Purbeck District Council’s planning board Peter Wharf said the council was disappointed.