I WOULD like to make several comments in response to Cllr Oxborough's letter (June 6) on West Devon Borough Council's Renewable Energy strategy.

As Cllr Oxborough says, we need to think carefully about how we can make our contribution to renewable energy generation whilst 'protecting the very special and sensitive environments which we highly value'. We agree, but why was this thinking not completed several years ago when we were asking for it?

We in MABRAKE welcome the statement that new planning guidelines on renewable energy installations will be available for public comment this summer.

However, it is essential in our view that they define in detail a strategy that protects our environment as well as how we can meet our share of renewable energy generation.

Such a strategy would mean restricting the area of individual solar farms (less than one acre), restricting the number in any one ward, defining a minimum distance (1.5km) of wind turbines from residential and historic properties and agreeing areas of West Devon where they are unacceptable because of the impact on the landscape. Such policies are in place for new housing and factories and so could be proposed for large renewable energy installations which have a similar impact on the environment.

We believe that it is possible to make our contribution to renewable energy generation and CO2 reduction by having a strategy that encourages small scale solar farms (less than one acre), individual solar panel installations, hydroelectric installations (such as the Mary Tavy power station and the new unit on the Walkham) and actively ensuring every home in West Devon is insulated to a high standard (the energy companies are supporting such schemes).

We do not need large solar farms and large wind turbines to meet our share of renewable energy generation and CO2 reduction.

The new government policy of offering 'financial incentives' (bribes) to local communities to accept these is likely to be extremely divisive amongst those communities.

Some people quite naturally will be encouraged to accept these financial offers as a recompense for having their environment severely damaged.

This means that it is even more urgent that West Devon Borough Council introduces policy guidelines which adequately protect our unique landscape, villages and historic buildings.

Dr Gary Vanstone

Chairman MABRAKE