January 25, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Opponents of onshore wind turbines are gearing up for a fresh fight against a plan to build two of them on the edge of Exmoor.
The turbines – measuring 100m (328ft) to the blade tip – are planned for Cross Moor, Knowstone, near South Molton.
Members of the Two Moors Campaign, which has opposed other windfarm applications in the area, said that although the latest proposal was for only two turbines, if it was allowed, it could open the way for more, which would threaten the unique nature of Exmoor.
Campaign chairman Ashley Gray said the site was very close to Exmoor National Park.
“If in some of the more remote areas we don’t keep our eye on the ball, it only takes one weak link and we’ll find that the national park ends up surrounded by these things,” he said.
Caroline Harvey, the campaign’s secretary, said: “If you let one of these things in, there will be a whole host of them coming in. This one is close to Exmoor so I am sure the Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) will be concerned about it.”
The Two Moors Campaign was formed initially to oppose a plan for nine turbines at Batsworthy Cross, between South Molton and Tiverton.
That plan has yet to be determined by North Devon District Council, but the ENPA has already called on the council to reject the proposal.
Today, the Batsworthy Cross plan goes before Devon County Council’s development control committee, which is being recommended not to raise any objection.
Ed Chorlton, the county director of environment, economy and culture, pointed out that the Batsworthy Cross site was within the county’s area of search for wind energy development.
“The proposed development is separated from the Exmoor National Park by some 7.5km (4.6 miles).
“While turbines will be visible from some locations within the national park, at such a distance, the proposed development is not regarded as having a detrimental effect on the Exmoor National Park and therefore does not conflict with the Structure Plan,” he said.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/25/campaigners-to-fight-turbines-plan/