A PROPOSED controversial wind farm development has been delivered a severe blow by planners who voted to reject an application for four giant wind turbines at Aston Grange, Frodsham.

After speeches from supporters and objectors, voting was deadlocked at 7-7 with the casting vote of the committee chairman Clr Albert Bailey proving decisive.

Now five labour councillors have demanded that the application be called in to the full meeting of Vale Royal Borough Council on Thursday, November 30.

The proposal from Tegni is to put up four wind turbine generators up to 125m high with associated electrical and communication cables, sub-station and anemometry mast.

Steve Pardoe, vice-chairman of Acton Bridge Parish Council, said he was unhappy about the application being called in.

He said: "It's all very disappointing and extends the burden on the many local volunteers and unpaid parish councillors who have already given up so much of their spare time and in many cases had to take time off work.

"We are determined to continue our opposition to this outrageous eyesore which is being foisted on the beautiful Cheshire landscape."

Vale Royal's planning officer Adrian Crowther had published his report recommending planners should approve the application.

He said there had been no objections from statutory bodies and consultants employed to examine the landscape and visual impact has raised no significant issues.

While the development did not accord with the development plan, very special circumstances had shown why it was acceptable, the report said.

Mike Cooksley, chairman of Visit Chester and Cheshire and the Weaver Valley Management Committee, said he is delighted with the refusal.

He said: "This is a triumph not only for the Stop Aston Wind farm group, residents and parish councils who opposed this development but also for the planning process and the robust manner in which it seeks to protect the interests of the public."