A CONTROVERSIAL proposed overhead power line at North Tawton has been given the green light by West Devon Borough Council despite earlier opposition from people living in the town.
At the council planning committee meeting, members voted unanimously in favour of the proposal while taking into account the need to protect the environment in the area.
The 132kv power line will now run for approximately two and a half kilometres through the borough, starting at the cheese factory with up to a kilometre of underground cabling.
Three years ago proposals were rejected because of objections from residents? regarding damage to the landscape and tourism.
John Milverton, the council?s planning officer, gave the justification of need and the reduction of the impact on the landscape as reasons to support the proposal.
He said the need is justified by the fact that current electricity needs are only just being met and there is currently a ?hole? in the area?s electricity supply. Problems already exist without considering the planned expansion of housing in the Okehampton area. This was also highlighted by Mr J Chick from the applicants, Western Power Distribution.
Mr Milverton also explained how the impact on the landscape had been reduced, as all reasonable undergrounding that had been requested was now planned and the route had been taken away from as many properties as possible.
Mr J Seaton raised concerns about the removal of trees in North Tawton and Cllr Christine Grills suggested making a condition of acceptance that the loss of trees be kept to a minimum.
Plans for the power line and a related substation were accepted by Devon County Council development control committee earlier this month.
The substation is being considered by West Devon as a separate application and the plan is currently undergoing alterations before further consideration by the council.
The power line is now subject to approval by Torridge District Council, because most of the 31km power line will run in their area, and could still face a public enquiry if they provide any objection to the line.