A wind farm operator claims the Dengie has lost out on £2million after a “minor” change to turbines was turned down.

Renewable energy developer RES had its alteration for Turncole Wind Farm rejected by Maldon District Council’s planning committee, despite planning officers recommending the proposal for approval.

The seven turbine site at The Marshes, Southminster, received planning permission in February this year for turbines reaching 126.5 metres in height.

In July, RES applied to change the type of turbine, which would have increased the amount of electricity the site could generate, but not the overall original height.

Following the decision, RES project manager Jon Knight said: “It’s an absolutely bizarre decision.

“We simply want to use the most efficient turbines; maximising the renewable energy the wind farm could generate and thereby maximising the benefits to local people and the local economy to the tune of an extra £2 million.

According to the council, the reason for refusal was “due to the increase in height, scale and bulk and the potential for an increase in noise as a result of larger blades".