AN appeal was this week launched by a new pressure group which is campaigning to protect the rural West Devon countryside from the installation of wind turbines.
The Carey and Wolf Valleys Opposition to Wind Turbines group (CWVOWT) is concerned that a planning application to build three wind turbines at Higher Beckett, which was rejected by Torridge planning committee, is being taken to appeal.
The new group of local volunteers from the parishes of Ashwater, Broadwoodwidger and Halwill is planning to speak against the application when the appeal is heard.
It is asking for donations from residents in the area concerned about the possibility of wind turbines being built near their homes.
CWVOWT believes homes could be devalued by as much as 30% if the turbines are installed and hope local people can offer financial contributions to help present its case.
Any money raised by the group will be used only to finance professional experts as all other work connected with the campaign will be done by volunteers.
A spokesman for CWVOWT said: ?Everyone supports renewable energy, but Devon and the West Country rely on tourism, which will be deeply affected if the Government?s plans go ahead.
?What is really needed is an enlightened approach from the South West Regional Development Agency to provide a solution to take advantage of natural resources for renewable energy, which is compatible with countryside tourism.?
Barry Richards, chairman of Halwill Parish Council, said wind turbines did not represent a good use of resources, as they only produced approximately 22-30% of their installed capacity and would need a back up system to produce power when there was too much or too little wind.
?We have to ask ourselves why do people come on holiday, or to live in the area? The answer is for the peace, tranquillity and unspoilt countryside. We intend to keep it that way and with everyone?s help, we can.
?It will be too late when we have wind turbines from Launceston to Ilfracombe to Okehampton and probably all over Devon,? he said, urging local people to contact him if they were opposed to the wind turbine application.
Torridge District Council?s planning committee rejected the Higher Beckett wind turbine application this spring, on the grounds that their installation would be detrimental to the landscape in the rural area ? the committee was also concerned about noise pollution and the effect on the tourism industry.
The planning appeal is likely to be considered early in the New Year.
Anyone interested in the campaign by CWVOWT or who would like to support it financially should contact Barry Richards at Ivy Cottage, Halwill, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5UH.