Turbines near Dartmoor rejected

Objectors have won their fight against plans for a wind farm in Devon.

An inspector dismissed an appeal against West Devon Borough Council’s rejection of plans for two 230ft (70.1m) high turbines at Lamerton.

They were refused on the grounds it would have a significant adverse impact on the nearby Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley.

It would also affect the setting of the grade I listed Brentor Church and would affect nearby homes.

Jonathan Cardale, chief executive of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, said: “This is the right decision, which reinforces the high value we in Devon place on our historic buildings and the very special landscapes which surround them and our national parks.

“They are our heritage and a priceless asset which is not renewable.

“We all acknowledge the need for renewable energy, but it has to be in the right place.”

Robert and Carol Bradford, who own the land at Beech Farm, were unavailable for comment.

Decision awaited

The decision comes less than a month after an appeal was also dismissed against the council’s refusal of plans for three turbines at Yelland near Okehampton.

A decision is awaited on appeals over plans for nine turbines at Den Brook in north Devon and for 22 turbines at Fullabrook Down near Ilfracombe.

Three turbines have been approved at High Darracott near Torrington, but there is only one operational wind farm in Devon, at Bradworthy in the north of the county.

Devon has been set a target of 151 megawatts of renewable energy to be generated by 2010.

It is currently only producing about 25 megawatts, roughly half of what neighbouring Cornwall is producing.