A renewable energy firm's hopes of building three giant wind turbines in south Norfolk were dashed today when a planning inspector dismissed its appeal.

Oxfordshire-based TCI Renewables appealed against South Norfolk Council's decision in 2010 to refuse planning permission for three 126m high turbines at Upper Vaunces Farm between Rushall, Dickleburgh, Pulham Market and Pulham St Mary.

But in a report issued by inspector Zoe Hill today - following a lengthy inquiry - the proposals were refused on the grounds of impact on local residents and affect on the landscape and local listed buildings.

The applicants said the turbines would generate enough renewable energy to power about 3,500 homes.

The plans attracted almost 40 letters of support, but also received more than 400 letters of objection, as well as opposition from South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon, Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market, the Norfolk Gliding Club at Tibenham, two churches and six nearby parish councils.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon said today: 'This decision is a victory for common sense. The inspector has clearly listened to strongly expressed local views and I am particularly pleased that she has recognised that the turbines' impact on the gentle rural landscape in Rushall would be significant and harmful.

'St Mary's Church in Rushall would have been overwhelmed by these turbines, and some residents would have had no escape from turbines towering over their homes.

'South Norfolk Council was right to reject these plans and the formidable 4Villages campaign group has worked extremely hard to protect local residents and see off these proposals.'

'In order to take proper advantage of the benefits of wind power we should continue to go off-shore, where it is much windier. It would then be possible to have large scale developments and big economies of scale, without the intrusion which this type of development on-shore will inevitably cause in a gentle rural landscape'.

See Tuesday's EDP for more.