BY ANTON McCABE

A PROPOSED wind-farm on the border of Omagh Council's area has become the first in the North to be refused planning permission. M & B Quinn had applied for permission for seven turbines and associated works at Mullaghturk, just past Broughderg in the Magherafelt Council area.

The planners refused it on the basis that: "This proposal is contrary to Policy PSU12 of the Department's Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland in that the development would, if permitted, have a seriously detrimental impact on the amenity of the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by reason of its unacceptable degree of visual intrusion."

M&B Quinn give an address at Wellington Street, Belfast. The company is controlled by members of the Quinn family who own Rocwell Mineral Water. No company spokesperson was available for comment.

Planning Service rejected the application in August, but the refusal has only now been publicised on the service's website.

The developer has not yet appealed the refusal to the Planning Appeals Commission.

The West Tyrone constituency, which consists of Omagh and Strabane Council areas, is attracting significant windfarm development. According to Planning Service, ten of 21 windfarms so far approved in the North are in the West Tyrone constituency.

There are currently applications for a further 15 in the same area.