Wind farm decision expected next month

An environment court decision on Meridian Energy's $2 billion wind farm in Central Otago is now expected to be released by the end of next month.

The application to build a 176-turbine farm at Lammermoor Range, 70km northwest of Dunedin, is awaiting a ruling by the court.

Resource consents were granted by Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council but the decisions were appealed.

Detractors believe the farm could have serious consequences for the visual landscape in a remote part of the region.

A decision was expected last month but an Environment Court spokesman yesterday said a decision before the end of September was unlikely. "It will be issued as soon as possible."

Meridian Energy external relations manager Claire Shaw said it was taking time for the Environment Court to consider the appeal against Project Hayes.She said it was too early to say if there were any concerns regarding Project Hayes following the Government's review of the electricity market.

- © Fairfax NZ News