High Court quashes the decision to refuse permission for a 13-turbine wind farm development, finding that the planning board failed to exercise its discretionary powers in a manner consistent with climate action objectives as required by statute. The board's reliance on an incorrect statutory provision and consideration of an irrelevant factor regarding the development plan's provisions led to the decision's invalidation. The court also noted a pattern of behavior by the board that effectively undermines compliance with national and international climate commitments, akin to an unlawful fixed policy against material contravention in favor of renewable energy.
Wind farm development, refusal quashed, Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, High Court, material contravention, renewable energy, climate action objectives, environmental sustainability, strategic infrastructure development, improper reliance, irrelevant consideration, fixed policy, compliance with climate commitments, judicial review.