April 5, 2014
England

Tory MP attends blimp protest against wind turbine plans

Western Morning News | April 05, 2014 | www.westernmorningnews.co.uk

A Conservative MP joined protesters against wind turbines in Devon as they gathered to fly a blimp highlighting the scale of the masts.

More than 100 people from Torridge came to see the red height marker balloon being flown near Shebbear on Friday, by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Torridge and West Devon MP, Geoffrey Cox QC spoke to campaigners at the demonstration, opposite Badworthy farm, where a 77m (250ft) turbine is planned.

The crowd heard how a list of planning applications within a seven-mile radius of the farm site, showed there were “a staggering 50 wind turbines” in the pipeline.

Penny Mills Chairman of CPRE Devon said, “This was a fantastic turnout, indicating the great strength of feeling that there is right across the district.

“These industrial-sized wind turbines are unacceptable in these rural locations and are so close to people’s homes that they are ruining the countryside, people’s lives, and dividing our communities.”

Wind farms hit the national headlines this week when Tory plans to cap the number of schemes were reportedly blocked by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg.

The Conservatives are expected to include a plan to limit the roll out of the technology as part of its manifesto for the general election next year.

Torridge has become a magnet for the masts in the past two years with dozens of campaigns springing up.

War Horse author Michael Morpurgo has opposed a number of schemes amid fears the rural backdrop to his popular novel was being spoiled.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/05/tory-mp-attends-blimp-protest-against-wind-turbine-plans/