Article
Wind Farm Plans Up for Debate
Community Newswire|Rosamond Hutt|November 30, 2005
West Devon councillors are to debate plans for a wind farm of 390-foot turbines in the face of an objection from a national charity.
West Devon councillors are to debate plans for a wind farm of 390-foot turbines in the face of an objection from a national charity.
The nine turbines are proposed for a valley near North Tawton, close to the Dartmoor National Park, and the scheme will be considered by the borough council in the New Year.
The Council for National Parks made their objection to the proposal because of its proximity to the Dartmoor National Park.
John Weir, head of communications at the Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: "We were consulted about the wind farm by West Devon Borough Council and have raised our objections, but we don't determine planning policy.
"We believe it would have a critical impact on the northern foothills of Dartmoor."
Mr Weir said the wind farm would not only be a visual blot on the landscape, it could also drive tourists from the area.
He said: "Some …
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The nine turbines are proposed for a valley near North Tawton, close to the Dartmoor National Park, and the scheme will be considered by the borough council in the New Year.
The Council for National Parks made their objection to the proposal because of its proximity to the Dartmoor National Park.
John Weir, head of communications at the Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: "We were consulted about the wind farm by West Devon Borough Council and have raised our objections, but we don't determine planning policy.
"We believe it would have a critical impact on the northern foothills of Dartmoor."
Mr Weir said the wind farm would not only be a visual blot on the landscape, it could also drive tourists from the area.
He said: "Some people would argue that wind farms attract tourists, but we think it could reduce the number of visitors.
"The landscape is already degraded because of the Okehampton bypass and a quarry nearby, but it still has quality. All this development on the edge of Dartmoor is having an accumulative impact on the landscape."