A SCHEME to build three wind turbines near Okehampton looks set to suffer a setback tomorrow (Friday) as Dartmoor National Park Authority meets to discuss whether the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the landscape. Members of the planning committee will consider a recommendation that the authority objects to the proposal on the grounds that the scale and location of the turbines would have a ?detrimental impact on the setting of the National Park and would detract from the public enjoyment of the area?. The three 265-ft high turbines would be located on agricultural land to the west of the A386 on Bowerland Road. The nearest turbine would be half a mile from the boundary of the National Park. The developers West Coast Energy?s environmental impact assessment argues the fundamental character of the Park will not be compromised by the wind farm. However, the report for committee members, prepared by the authority?s director of planning, says that Devon Structure Plan policy clearly states that ?particular care will be taken to ensure that no development is permitted outside the National Park, which would damage its natural beauty, character or special qualities?. The structure plan also says priority should be made for renewable energy development in locations within an area of which this proposal lies outside. The structure plan also states that consideration should be given to the impact of renewable energy projects on the landscape and the conditions of those living and working nearby. The authority also outlines the views of the Ramblers? Association which has expressed its strong opposition to the proposal in a letter. The ramblers note that both High Willhayes and Yes Tor are especially significant, being the only tors which rank as ?mountains? under the provision of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and are the highest points in southern England. In conclusion the report states: ?Although the application goes into great detail with regard to the on-site implications of the proposal, its benefits in respect of energy production, archaeology and ecological issues, the principal concern for the authority has to be the visual impact of the proposal and whether or not it would damage the setting of the adjacent part of the National Park. It is considered that the visual impact would be unacceptable.? Dartmoor National Park Authority is one of a number of consultees who will make representations on the proposal known to West Devon Borough Council, whose planning committee will determine the application. l The company behind the planning application West Coast Energy last week denied accusations that they were planning to encircle Dartmoor with a ring of 100 wind turbines. Stephen Salt, planning director of West Coast Energy, said: ?In order to implement recently adopted planning policy, the planning authorities in Devon and the renewable energy industry will need to find suitable locations for between 75 and 100 turbines over the next five years and it will be up to the planning process to determine the suitability of particular projects to meet this target.? However, he said he was concerned erroneous information about the scale and location of projects his company were involved in could ?only serve to cloud material planning issues?. Jonathan Cardale, chief executive of Dartmoor Preservation Association, warned that if current renewable energy targets were to be achieved, Devon?s landscape would be changed dramatically. ?The simple fact is that there will need to be hundreds and hundreds of turbines in Devon by 2020, if the present renewable energy targets are to be met, and if the over-generous subsidies continue to encourage this gold-rush,? he said. ?Dartmoor will be hemmed in on all sides by these giants; and that is why so many people, who value the National Park as Devon?s special national treasure, are now voicing these fears.?
