March 1, 2008
England

Wind farm proposal thrown out

Plans to create a wind farm in North Devon have been rejected because of the impact it would have on the local environment.

The Galsworthy Farm scheme proposed for an area of land close to Stibb Cross and Buckland Brewer, near Bideford, was turned down by Torridge District Council at a meeting.

Among the reasons noted for the objection was the impact it would have on the local bats.

The company, Ecotricity, had wanted to erect four wind turbines to generate enough power for about 7,000 homes.

More than 200 people objected to the proposals.

Ecotricity has said it will appeal against the decision.

The Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has welcomed the news of the rejection.

Bob Barfoot, chairman of CPRE for North Devon, said: “CPRE is delighted. We support the drive to decrease the dependence of the UK on fossil fuels, but renewable energy schemes must be appropriately sited.

“There is a danger that in an attempt to solve wider environmental issues inappropriate schemes such as this could cause local environmental problems.”

Ecotricity said the wind farm could create 9.2MW, which would contribute towards Devon’s target of 151MW of renewable energy by 2010. No one was available to comment further.

Western Morning News

1 March 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/01/wind-farm-proposal-thrown-out/