THE energy giant which failed to get permission for Essex’s first onshore wind farm has launched an appeal.

Tendring Council’s planning committee voted unanimously against the plans for five turbines at Earls Hall Farm, between Clacton and St Osyth in June.

But N-Power Renewables today announced it wants the scheme to be reconsidered at an independent public inquiry.

Cath Stevenson, N-Power Renewables’ development manager, said: “We don’t feel that the environmental benefits of the scheme were given sufficient weight in the decision-making process.

“Earls Hall Wind Farm would generate enough electricity for the annual average needs of between approximately 5,500 and 6,000 homes each year and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas contributing to man-made climate change.

“As such, we consider that the proposal is worthy of a more detailed review.

“N-Power Renewables is an experienced developer and operator of wind farms, and we are confident that our proposals will stand up to the scrutiny of a public inquiry.”

Councillors voted 17-0 in favour of refusal and said the site, less than a mile from Clacton’s Bockings Elm estate, was not suitable for the 410ft structures – which are more than twice the height of Nelson’s Column.

Councillors said the potential for noise and visual impact was too great a risk.