March 15, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
The windfarm lobby was dealt a blow yesterday when Devon County Council refused to back plans for two projects.
Councillors on the development control committee took the advice of council officers who recommended the plans for turbines to be erected in North Devon and Kingsbridge, South Devon, be opposed.
The applications are to put up two wind turbine generators at Cross Moor, near Knowstone, South Molton; and three at Beech Tree Farm, East Allington, near Kingsbridge.
But in both cases the officers at Devon County Council recommended that the impact on the environment outweighed that of the energy output.
The plans for both could still go ahead, but it is unlikely that the planning authorities – the district councils – will ignore the opposition to these projects.
Speaking on the Cross Moor rejection, Bob Barfoot, chairman of the North Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “This is a great day. If these turbines are erected they will be on the edge of Exmoor and right in view of anyone looking – it is one of the most scenic places in the country. This would not be acceptable.
“No one wants these things here and it is right that the council has opposed them. I cannot see the plans being given consent now.”
15 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/15/body-blow-to-two-windfarm-projects/