'Delight' as two wind turbine appeals are dismissed

A campaign group dedicated to protecting rural Devon is "delighted" with the decision by a planning inspectorate to refuse two large wind turbines.

Martin Pike dismissed an appeal for a wind turbine, with an overall height of 47 metres, at Bilsford Farm, Buckland Brewer and a further turbine, with a maximum height of 77metres at land at Eastwood Farm, Peters Marland in Torrington.

The appeal, against Torridge District Council, for the Buckalnd Brewer wind turbine was made by Mr R Heywood. (trying to find out first name)

The appeal for the Peters Marland Turbine was made by Murex Energy Ltd – both were dismissed on February 26.

Mr Pike said the Buckland Brewer wind turbine would "harm the landscape and character".

He added: "I determined that the proposal would result in an undesirable proliferation of turbines on this lowland plateau which would cause considerable harm to both landscape character and visual amenity."

Regarding the Peters Marland turbine, Mr Pike said, although the effect on landscape character would be "acceptable" – there would be substantial adverse effect on visual, residential amenity.

He added: "Set against these benefits are the substantial adverse effect on visual/residential amenity and the significant harm to a designated heritage asset.

"I conclude that the benefits of the turbine are outweighed by the adverse effects."

Penny Mills, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England Devon, said they were very pleased with the inspector's decisions.

Penny said: "CPRE Devon welcome the fact that the government is now at last aware of the devastating effects that wind turbines are having on our countryside and on the people who live and work within it, which can so clearly be seen here in North West Devon.

"We also welcome the fact that the government is now saying that only wind turbine applications that have the support of the local community would be able to be approved.

"These wind turbines at Peters Marland and Buckland Brewer did not have the support of the majority of local people and CPRE Devon are delighted with the decision as are the local communities.

"However, there are over 300 wind turbines either already permitted or in the planning process in Devon alone - with dozens still pending a decision or at appeal. The impact on our landscape has already been devastating, and we must await the decisions on all these outstanding applications."

The Journal contacted both applicants but they were unavailable for comment.