WEST Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox has called for wind farm buffer zones to protect rural communities. An opponent of commercial onshore wind farms, Mr Cox also questioned the Government's policy on wind energy. Mr Cox called into question the prudence of allowing large scale wind turbines to be erected in such close proximity to residential and commercial areas and called for statutory buffer zones to be set between dwellings and massive wind turbines. His comments come just months after planning permission was granted for a highly controversial wind farm at Den Brook Valley. There are several further applications pending, across West Devon and Torridge, including one at Putford near Holsworthy. Mr Cox said: 'It is absurd that there is no minimum distance between dwellings and the site of commercial wind turbines. The guidelines available to local authorities suggests that a mere 300-400 meters is a sufficient buffer zone! The Government should be taking greater steps to protect the quality of life of those living in rural areas from these gigantic machines.
