DEVON county councillors last week gave a resounding thumbs down to a controversial proposal to build a biomass generator on Winkleigh airfield. But the firm behind the £40-million scheme, Peninsula Power Ltd, say they remain hopeful a ?change of heart? will see planning consent granted by Torridge District Council despite the county recommending refusal. County environment director Edward Chorlton, while acknowledging the suitability of the site for the location of a biomass electricity generator in principle, said the scale of the proposed development was such that it was likely to require biomass to be supplied from a very wide hinterland over the South West region. In a report to councillors, Mr Chorlton said he was also concerned about the impact of the development on archaeological interests, the historic landscape and biodiversity interests as well as on residents of the nearby Four Seasons Village. The council also recommended that should Torridge Council approve the proposal, it should be referred to the Secretary of State as a departure from the Devon Structure Plan. Cllr Bill Cann, who represents the Hatherleigh and Chagford district, said although the proposed site was not within his ward, it would have an impact on a wide number of neighbouring areas, including his own. He told councillors the proposed plant would be sited in one of the least spoilt parts of Devon between Dartmoor and Exmoor and as such would constitute a ?blot on the landscape?. Members of the council?s development control committee meeting in Exeter voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the application. Torridge Council?s planning committee had been due to discuss the proposal this Monday, but adjourned the matter to ensure every aspect of the plan was properly considered. Having received 980 letters about the plans, the council wants to make certain its report is as comprehensive and accurate as possible. The document is being checked thoroughly, to ensure all the points raised have been accounted for, and that it will withstand challenge from any quarter. Andy Seaman, head of planning services, said: ?As with any planning application, it?s vital that we come to the best planning decision based upon all the evidence available, at the first time of asking. ?This is a controversial proposal, with powerful arguments on all sides and almost a thousand letters to account for, so naturally it?s taken a little while to make sure we get it right. ?However, our planning officers continue to do a professional job, and we should be ready to clarify our position towards the middle of February.?