concerns over the number of wind turbine planning applications in the district have been discussed by Torridge councillors

A report was submitted to the council's overview and scrutiny committee detailing an increase in applications of 500% since 2010. Comparative figures show that North Devon and Torridge have each received at least twice as many applications as any other authority in the county.  

Chair of the committee Cllr Brian Redwood said: 'We know that the council has tried to balance the commercial and environmental needs for these turbine applications.

'At times we have vigorously resisted some where the effect of an installation was felt to be detrimental to the local landscape or neighbouring properties.

'But the simple facts are startling — of the ten applications refused permission last year, nine were appealed to the planning inspectorate and six of the seven, a whopping 90% decided so far, have been overturned and approved. On only one occasion has the council's decision to refuse been supported.

'I do not want residents to give up objecting to these planning applications where they feel genuinely affected, but it appears the inspectorate is giving very little weight to them.'

Cllr Philip Collins, leader of Torridge said: 'It's very frustrating from our point of view. We're between a rock and a hard place in our attempts to reconcile local feeling and central government's support for such developments with their new Energy Bill.

'Planning decisions can only be made on planning grounds but even these are open to interpretation. In one recent case the council's assertion that the development would have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties was found to be "indefensible" by the independent planning inspectorate who ruled on the appeal.'

In 2012/13 the council was forced to spend around £38,000 in specialist reports and fees to defend a decision to refuse permission for an application, only to have the decision overturned on appeal.

Cllr Redwood added: 'What is clear, is that the majority of applications that Torridge District Council has refused which have gone on to appeal, are then granted. The council's decision is often reversed.

'It seems the council's definition of "adverse" and "cumulative" is different from the planning inspectorate's.

'Sadly, there would appear to be only limited grounds on which the council can refuse applications of this nature and it would appear public opinion is in itself not sufficient reason.'