On 12 December 2025, both the Danish Environmental and Food Board of Appeal and the Town and Country Planning Board of Appeal issued rulings in two related cases concerning five onshore wind turbines, Sundstrup Wind park, in Viborg:
- The Environmental and Food Board of Appeal confirmed Viborg Municipality’s EIA permit for five wind turbines and associated cabling. The Board found that Natura 2000 and Annex IV species protections were adequately addressed, including conditions for bat protection (seasonal turbine shutdowns and building inspections). The mitigation measures were based on the updated Annex IV handbook (DCE, Feb 2025), which sets new standards for monitoring and operational restrictions.
- The Town and Country Planning Board of Appeal upheld the Municipality’s environmental assessment of the local plan and addendum to the municipal plan. The Board noted that Natura 2000 considerations, Annex IV species, noise, and landscape impacts were properly assessed, and that mitigation measures take adequately into consideration the updated Annex IV handbook (DCE, Feb 2025).
Key takeaway: These decisions reinforce the importance of thorough environmental documentation and legally robust mitigation measures in renewable energy projects.