NINE three-bladed wind turbines in the Den Brook Valley would detract from enjoyment of Dartmoor ? that looks set to be the view of the National Park Authority. Members of the authority?s development control committee are due to meet in Bovey Tracey tomorrow (Friday) to discuss a recommendation to raise an objection to the wind farm proposal. The authority states the proposed turbines would be ?clearly visible from locations within the National Park and their presence as a distinctive and prominent feature within the landscape would detract from the enjoyment of the Park, contrary to one of the purposes of designation?. The authority also expressed concern that the proposed site lies outside the ?area of search? identified in the Devon Structure Plan as having the potential for the provision of renewable energy developments to meet Devon?s target of 151 MW by 2010. The policy requires that priority should be given to locations within the identified area of search, and the authority also objects on the grounds that there is no evidence that options within the area have been exhausted. The DNPA received representations from the Den Brook Valley (Wind Turbine) Action Group, Dartmoor Preservation Association and the Open Spaces Society, all noting their opposition to the scheme and from the Dartmoor Society, which has called for the application to be heard at a public inquiry. DNPA say they understand that due to the proposed height of the turbines (120m), the Civil Aviation Authority is likely to require them to be lit at night, further adding to their prominence. Applicants Renewable Energy Systems say the turbines would produce sufficient electrical energy to satisfy the average annual requirement of approximately 10,064-13,140 homes. The National Park Authority is one of several consultees whose views will be given consideration by West Devon Borough Council in determining the application. The borough council has also received responses from North Tawton Town Council, Bow Parish Council and Dartmoor Tourist Association among others, all objecting to the scheme. Devon County Council?s archaeological officer also notes the great importance of the site which is crossed by the route of a Roman road. The planning office has received almost 3,000 letters of objection to the development and around 60 of support. Friends of the Earth and the Devon Association for Renewable Energy have lodged their support for the project. Planning officers are recommending the application be deferred from the meeting of the planning committee next Tuesday so that additional consultee responses can be received and properly considered. l See story back page