A developer has withdrawn plans for a five-turbine wind farm after council officials refused to delay making a decision.

The plans for Shepham wind farm, to the north of Polegate, were submitted to Wealden District Council by Galliford Try Renewables (GTR) and a decision was due to be made in a planning meeting today (July 19).

GTR asked the council to defer the application after learning planning officers were advising councillors to reject the scheme.

A report from council planners said the development would have a negative impact on properties in the Polegate area and the national park.

But when the council refused to delay making a ruling on the application, GTR said it felt forced to withdraw the proposals.

A spokesman for GTR said: “The publication of the committee report last week was the first time we have had a clear view of the council’s position and we feel we need time to respond to the matters raised.

“From the outset, we have sought to work with the council in the development of the project, and we wish to continue working with them to find a mutually acceptable scheme.”

The development had been backed by a number of environmental campaigners.

GTR said it is considering resubmitting the application.