May 17, 2012
England

Anger over Holsworthy wind farm

North Devon Journal | www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk | 17 May 2012

Hundreds of people have spoken out against controversial plans for a wind farm near Holsworthy.

Torridge District Council has received more than 200 letters of objection from people opposed to proposals for another wind farm at Dunsland Cross.

The authority refused plans by Bolsterstone Wind Power Ltd to develop a four-turbine wind farm at the site outside Holsworthy three years ago.

However, the company amended its proposed scheme and submitted another planning application, this time for three 100m turbines.

It says if approved the development will provide enough energy to power more than 3,600 homes.

It could potentially displace a minimum of around 7,450 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during each year of operation.

The firm has sent a document to the council containing 311 individual signatures on generic letters of support.

People fighting the plans say if approved the wind farm could destroy businesses in the area and the neighbouring British School of Yoga says it will be forced to move out of Devon putting more than 40 jobs at risk.

There are also concerns over the impact on the landscape, noise, wildlife, tourism and road safety.

One letter, from Janice Harrup, said: “I have grave concerns over the visual impact this will cause on the existing magnificent far-reaching views of Dartmoor.

“Also the proximity of the nearby houses, and the noise it will inflict on them.

“This is a beautiful part of Devon that relies on these views and the peace and tranquility of the countryside, with wildlife in abundance, hence the reason why we have gained the North Devon Biosphere, with world status.

“The damage that these three turbines could do to certain species of wildlife does not bear thinking about.

“Also a great deal of employment is related in some way to tourism. What tourist would want to travel here to see these industrial monsters?”

On the other side of Holsworthy plans for a seven turbine wind farm near Chapman’s Well have taken another step forward.

EDF Energy Renewables, which is looking to site up to seven 126.5m turbines at Hollow Panson, has submitted a scoping report to Torridge District Council outlining its proposals.

The firm says the development could power around 7,300 homes.

Penny Mills of the Torridge branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “We are concerned about proliferation of wind farms and large single wind turbines throughout this part of North Devon and North Cornwall.

“The Torridge district has more proposals than any other part of Devon, and Hollow Panson would be the eighth wind farm.”

“We are concerned at the impact these will have on our wonderful, unspoilt and peaceful countryside which is loved by residents and holidaymakers alike.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/17/anger-over-holsworthy-wind-farm/