The opponents of Meridian Energy’s Project Hayes have a hope with the Environment Court that it would keep the landscape values of the Lammermoor Range site by giving a second thought to the wind farm plan, to be set up at the said site, for propelling economic benefits.

The Environment Court’s verdict to annul the proposed wind farm comprising 176-turbine at Lammermoor Range worth $2 billion has been objected to by the Meridian Energy. The Company has raised an appeal with the High Court, which has been consented.

On Monday, the Environment Court was urged by Justices John Fogarty and Lester Chisholm to rethink about the issue of wind farm by taking in view the additional proofs.

Save Central’s Co-coordinator, Graye Shattky stated that the High Court would not alter the decision taken by the Environment Court and the landscape’s values will be retained.

Shattky said, "So, in a sense, it is a hollow victory for Meridian. They wanted the original Environment Court decision quashed and resource consents reinstated, but that has not happened at all".

The group, Save Central, comprises the Maniototo Environmental Society, the Central Otago Environmental Society and many individuals. The protest against the wind farm incurred more than $500,000 cost to the group.

John Douglas, who raised appeal against the Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council, is also sure that the Court’s decision would not change on account of the values of the landscape.