March 14, 2012
England

Protesters call on council to reject wind turbines

Western Morning News, www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk 14 March 2012

Campaigners have urged planners to take note of opposition to scores of wind turbine applications.

Protesters yesterday gathered outside Torridge District Council offices in North Devon, where they handed a statement to councillors.

Residents in communities including Alverdiscott, Huntshaw and Weare Giffard have united to urge the council to listen to their opposition.

In Torridge, 28 large single wind turbines are currently in planning, in addition to 14 already approved or operating and seven wind farms.

Scores of applications have also been submitted to North Devon District Council, which also hosts England’s largest windfarm site at Fullabrook.

The statement urged councillors to “preserve the unique nature, character, distinctiveness and beauty of the region”, and to protect wildlife and habitats.

Figures suggest up to 32,000 more wind turbines could be erected across the country in the next 20 years, of which 6,000 would be onshore.

Torridge council leader Barry Parsons said the statement would be circulated to councillors. He said the authority placed “high value” on such input. “As part of the council’s decision making process councillors will always consider all relevant representations, for and against, before making decisions on planning applications that concern wind turbines.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/14/protesters-call-on-council-to-reject-wind-turbines/